Community and Schools

The Extended Schools Programme aims to tackle educational disadvantage in socially disadvantage areas.  Approximately 500 schools receive funding each year to provide a range of programmes and service often outside the normal school day.

The Community and Schools Team provides support to all schools and clusters involved in the programme.

The EA has a statutory responsibility to promote and facilitate community use of school facilities. The Community and Schools Team can provide assistance to schools and community groups including;

• Hire of premises/facilities arrangements
• long term use agreement
• Community Use Minor Work Projects

Under “People and Place – a strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal” 36 areas in NI receive additional support.

The Education Authority manages 18 funded project in schools and youth centres. These projects aim to tackle education disadvantage through additional support programmes for pupils, families and communities.

Community Planning aims to develop an integrated approach to local strategic planning across 11 Councils.

The Education Authority is one of 12 statutory partners. Each council has a Community Planning Partnership Board and a senior EA officer represents EA on each of these.

The Community and Schools Team co-ordinates EA’s response to Community Planning.