This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New approach to schools brings benefits
07/08/2002
A study published today has found the new community
school approach brings considerable benefits to young
people.
The involvement of young people has increased,
partnership working across different agencies has been
substantially enhanced and projects have attracted
additional funding, according to interim results from the
evaluation of the first phase of the New Community School
(NCS) pilot programme.
The New Community Schools programme - initially piloted
in 1999 - aims to raise educational standards and promote
social inclusion, and in particular to help disadvantaged
young people achieve their full potential. Teachers, social
workers, family workers, health personnel and others work
together to develop services centred on the needs of
children and their families.
Phase 1 of the pilot programme was concentrated in
disadvantaged areas and involved 37 projects covering 170
schools and institutions. The evaluation shows that the
projects led to increased education, health and social
policy activity in schools. This resulted in, for example,
involvement of family support workers, promotion of healthy
eating, drugs and smoking awareness, and greater use of
early intervention and study support.
Health trusts and boards, social work services, and
other agencies contributed additional funding and support.
The study found evidence of increased provision of
extra-curricular activities, pupil councils and other means
of involving young people.
Welcoming the study, Minister for Education and Young
People Cathy Jamieson said:
"The new community school approach is at the heart of
our strategy for closing the attainment gap. By integrating
the services provided by the various agencies to ensure
that the needs of all children are met, we can make a real
difference to their lives.
"These interim findings confirm that, even in the
earliest stages, significant benefits for children, schools
and agencies can be secured. They will inform and stimulate
progress as we continue to roll out the approach to all
schools in Scotland."
The Scottish Executive commissioned the Institute of
Education, University of London to carry out a national
evaluation of phase 1 of the NCS pilot programme. The
survey has involved questionnaires for schools involved in
all the 37 phase 1 pilot projects, as well as five case
studies.
The final evaluation, due next summer, will look at
progress over the full three years of the pilot projects
and will report on the views and experiences of young
people and their families.
The Scottish Executive is making £37.2m available to
support the full NCS pilot programme, which covers 62
projects and over 400 schools. A further £30.6m is being
provided over 2002/03 and 2003/04 to support the roll out
of the new community school approach to all schools in
Scotland.
Copies of
Interchange 76: National Evaluation of the New
Community Schools Pilot Programme in Scotland: Phase 1:
Interim Findings can be obtained from:
Or by telephoning Education and Young People Research
Unit on phone: 0131 244 0634.