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.