SCHOOLS today are expected to do much more than teach children.

By 2010, the Government expects primaries and secondaries to offer a whole host of extras, including running courses for mums and dads and having instant access to specialist help for children.

It is believed the offerings, known as extended services, help children aim and attain higher.

Nova Hreod started this long before it became fashionable.

“We have been delivering extended services for seven years,” said community co-ordinator Tom Wilkes, whose job is to deliver extra-curricular activities and is assisted by science teacher Lorraine Coward.

He said: “Then we were the only school in Swindon – now most schools are doing similar things.

“One of the things we need to do is raise aspirations right across Swindon, according to education experts. The whole of Swindon needs to do better. It is considered culturally challenged.

“Many children here think: ‘I don’t need to go to university’ as they have never seen their parents pursuing higher education.”

The school has joined new neighbouring secondary Isambard and 12 primaries to offer residents loads of activities – akin to a huge community centre with several sites.

Mr Wilkes said: “When different schools come together, we can offer more services to everybody and share resources. For example, Abbey Meads Primary has a good floodlit pitch while Nova Hreod has a dance studio.”

Teachers and support staff help deliver the extra services.

Mr Wilkes said: “When being interviewed, teachers are being asked: ‘What more can you offer children outside core teaching?’ “This could influence whether they get the job.

“All of our teachers are engaged in this process – they are a real driving force.”

A fair takes place every term so children can sign up to sessions, known as enrichments. They can choose wide ranging options such as watching the Simpsons, learning Japanese or catching up on coursework.

There is also reading for boys only and children are being offered a safe space to eat lunch, chat and make new friends. Children are advised to do four enrichment sessions every year and can choose from lunchtime and evening.

Mostly pupils get to choose what they want to do – tennis is very popular – but they may be advised to opt for academic sessions if they need them. Recent figures show about 800 pupils in Nova Hreod opting for lunchtime sessions with about half that amount going in the evening, depending on the time of year. Mr Wilkes said: “It gives children the experience of doing something different. And parents are secure in the knowledge that their child is safe at school and is doing something positive. We want to stimulate interest in the community.

“We want to develop learning in a new and different way to help engage the community and act as a focal point.”

The north Swindon catchment or cluster of schools includes: Abbey Meads Primary; Bridlewood Primary; Catherine Wayte Primary; Ferndale Primary; Greenmeadow Primary; Haydonleigh Primary; Haydon Wick Primary; Moredon Primary, Orchid Vale Primary; Red Oaks Primary; Rodbourne Cheney Primary; and St Francis Primary.

They will jointly put on IT classes and art classes for people aged over 50.