Scouting as part of an Extended School Programme

Schools have a unique place within their communities. With an extended school day, schools can and do support children’s development and learning, support mental health and wellbeing, mitigate the effects of child poverty, and help prevent poverty by supporting parents to work. These activities have always been a valuable part of school life, but there is an even greater need now to support schools to deliver these services as the pandemic continues to affect the learning of children and the financial circumstances of families.

Extended schools programmes are proven to deliver a variety of benefits for children’s education and social and emotional development, as well as improving family finances. They prevent and mitigate the worst effects of child poverty. The pandemic has created the perfect storm for many households, and families with children have been hit the hardest financially.

Child Poverty Action Group (2021) Extended School Provision