27 February 2008
More out of school options through Extended Services
Parents and carers will have wider choices around how to balance work and family commitments with the first four
Extended Services today, says Social Development and Employment Minister Ruth Dyson.
Speaking at the launch of the extension to Neighbourhood Trust’s Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) programme
based at Glenmoor School in Mairehau,Christchurch, Ms Dyson said it would build on existing out of school services by
providing a wider range of activities and catering for older children.
“In the past, Out of School Services have catered largely for five- to nine-year-olds. Now Extended Services will
provide care for a wider age range - from children and young people aged 5 to 14. The activities provided are a result
of feedback from parents, carers, children and the community.
“Extended Services are a first step towards making Out of School Services less about care and recreation and more about
activity based programmes that take into account the health, education and general wellbeing of children and young
people,” said Ruth Dyson.
Extended Services at Glenmoor will run:
• Healthy eating activities including cooking lessons and the development and maintenance of a vegetable garden
and a worm farm
• Healthy living / physical activities including a fitness circuit and sports • Arts, craft, music, swimming and
computer tuition
• Homework assistance
• Adventure activities such as kayaking and climbing for older children.
The programme is one of the four new Extended Services being rolled out as part of the Labour-led government’s Out of
School Services Action Plan, with a further 8 planned for around the country over the next three years.
The Action Plan is one of the key areas of activity of “Choices for Living, Caring and Working”, a wider government
strategy that provides parents and carers with choices.
ENDS