"Ministers are putting £680m up to 2008 into the scheme, which involves extending hours until 6pm and encourages bodies such as universities and sports clubs to provide activities."
Out of hours clubs for kids are great if it means keeping them engaged, healthy and motivated. Of course, they could be engaged, healthy and motivated if the Government hadn't sold off all the parks and schools hadn't dropped sports for their timetables.
"Ofsted found extended schools had fostered "more positive attitudes" among pupils, who were "keen to remain after school to work and relax". They had developed a "greater sense of ownership" and were "proud of the school"."
Which, coincidentally, is pretty much what kids feel when they represent their school at sports events. Without labouring the point too much, sports can play a massive part in giving kids motivation, a sense of acheivement and pride in what they achieve and how they represent the school. I know it's only football, rugby, cricket, tennis and so on, but it really does have a much wider impact in terms of physical and mental health for kids.
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I fully agree that music and sports clubs are key for kids - I was part of the gym club and choirs for most of my school life. I was kept fit, learnt about competition and about how I played a key role in the bigger picture - choirs and orchestras aren't about soloists, but about team work and complimenting rather than competing.
It was all great fun and gave me a lot of skills that I've transferred into adult life - managing concerts and designing programs were just two things.
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