School business manager: developing the role

3.2 The Every Child Matters agenda

The government's vision for extended schools builds on the Every Child Matters (ECM) initiative. Click on the following links for more information Every Child Matters: Change for children in schools [accessed 26 January 2007]. It is founded on five outcomes:

  • Be healthy.

  • Be safe.

  • Enjoy and achieve.

  • Make a positive contribution (as a citizen).

  • Be employable.

In moving towards these five outcomes, our school is conscious of the thinking that lies behind them, including:

  • Opportunities for students are not always equal.

  • Occasionally individuals ‘fall through’ the gap between agencies.

  • Inappropriate/abusive behaviour, including problems with drugs and alcohol.

  • Children ‘in need’ of specialist support and the difficulties that can arise in obtaining such support.