Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for extended school services in the light of the report <i>Unfinished Business: where next for extended schools?</i>, published by the Child Poverty Action Group and the Family and Childcare Trust; and what assessment they have made of the report's recommendations.

The report “Unfinished Business: where next for extended schools?” was received and reviewed by my Department. Officials have met representatives of the Child Poverty Action Group to discuss the findings. This report adds to our evidence base in this policy area.

My Department is also currently extending that evidence base by conducting in-depth research on what activities schools offer outside their core timetable and the challenges they encounter.

As a part of the March 2016 Budget, the previous Chancellor announced that funding from the soft drinks industry levy would help up to 25% of secondary schools to extend their school day.

The Department is currently determining the details of how this funding will be allocated and we will provide further details in due course.