Study support, breakfast and homework clubs
Additional learning or study support activities, offered on a voluntary basis outside school hours through the extended schools programme, take place before or after school, at lunch, break-times, at weekends and during school holidays. They can also be provided by schools which do not qualify for extended schools funding.
About study support
Study or learning support activities provided by schools, primarily involves the provision of breakfast clubs, homework clubs, additional literacy and numeracy or tailored subject support, and GCSE booster classes but can also include a range of other support activities and opportunities to pursue particular interests and develop new skills.
Study support, or out-of-hours learning, offers a safe place where your child can learn and have fun in a supervised setting outside of normal school hours.
Study support activities take place mainly on school premises but may also include neighbouring schools or visits to other places such as libraries, sports grounds or clubs, museums and galleries.
Those schools which qualify for financial support through the extended schools programme are encouraged to provide programmes which focus on learning and improving educational achievement for children and young people. These aim for instance to improve literacy and numeracy and give children an additional boost in particular subject areas.
Schools may also offer a wide variety of other activities which aim to motivate and support children to reach their full potential including music, sport, languages, art, dance, drama, cookery or chess amongst many others. You can find out which activities are available in your area from the Education Authority in your region or your child’s school
For more information about the extended schools programme, visit the Department of Education website.
Breakfast clubs
At a breakfast club your child can meet other children in a supervised setting before school. In most cases, breakfast is provided with children brought together around a table to eat.
Some clubs also offer activities that support learning at school. Breakfast clubs are particularly useful if your child arrives early at school, you are a working parent or are following courses of study or training.
Skipping breakfast can mean poor energy and concentration levels in the first half of the school day. This can also lead to poor academic performance.
Often children compensate for the lack of breakfast by buying foods like crisps and chocolate and this encourages bad eating habits.
Breakfast clubs have been shown to improve levels of punctuality and attendance as well as performance in the classroom.
Your child’s school or the Education Authority in your region will have more information on breakfast clubs that your child can go to.
Homework clubs
Homework clubs offer a place for your child to work in a supervised and supportive environment out of school hours. Your child’s school or the Education Authority in your region can give you more information on these.