Education on Canvey is two years ahead of Government policy, the island's new schools chief has said.
Heading the scheme - Sharan Allsopp Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
The Government wants its new extended schools initiative up and running by 2006.
The initiative is designed to open schools up to the community and to each other.
But the idea is already up and running on the island.
Sharan Allsopp, 38, has already been appointed to head the development, which will lead the way for others nationally and shape future practice and policy.
Government funding is now being released to assist schools with this - and Canvey has got off the mark quickly.
Sharan, a former learning support assistant and school governor, said: "Extended schools provide a range of services and activities often beyond the school day to help meet the needs of pupils, their families and the wider community.
"My role is to co-ordinate and implement the scheme by working closely with all 15 Canvey schools, the relevant external agencies and the local community."
Published Friday January 16, 2004
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