Extended school hours may help children from disadvantaged communities to flourish, says the Green Party, but only a genuine and sustained effort to eradicate poverty will allow every child to develop to their full potential.
The Commons Education Select Committee said today that new guidance is needed on how extended school days can help children from disadvantaged communities.
Natalie Bennett, Green Party Leader, said:
“The select committee is doing the right thing in trying to identify ways in which schools can do more to help our children.
“But it is critically important that we also take a wider view: poverty is holding back our children’s education and their ability to contribute to our society. Only by ending poverty can we ensure that every child has the chance to develop to their full potential.”
Bennett added:
"The pernicious, damaging bedroom tax is an explicit statement from this government that it doesn't understand children’s need for their own space for homework, for reading, for living. The slashing of welfare benefits and arbitrary application of sanctions is condemning far too many families to bitter, desperate financial struggles. This is inevitably affecting educational outcomes."
The Green Party believes that education should be at the heart of communities and for communities. Throughout the early years of education there must be an emphasis on social cohesion, play, relatedness, and character-building alongside a focus on knowledge and skills. The Green Party will conduct pilot projects to explore the benefits of all-year-round opening of schools.