Three Islington schools have been recognised for the quality of the out of school hours activities they offer to pupils.<br><br>Holloway School, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College and Grafton School were all awarded established status by the national kite-marking scheme QISS (Quality in Study Support). <br><br>The schools offer a range of activities from breakfast clubs to Saturday schools with pupils/students choosing to participate in sports, arts, ICT and additional revision for examinations and homework. <br><br>These are the first three schools in Islington to undertake the QISS Scheme and will lead the way for other schools in the borough.<br><br>Andy Turnock, Deputy Head of Grafton Primary School, said “The clubs developed at Grafton are fantastic and give all the children so many enhanced opportunities to take part in activities not usually open to them. All the staff at Grafton have worked hard to achieve this status and it is a testimony to the school’s commitment to our youngsters not just between 9am and 3pm but from 8am till 6pm.”<br><br>Cllr James Kempton, executive member for children and young people, congratulated the winners saying “I am delighted for the schools that their excellent work has been recognised. Providing activities out of school hours is an essential part of our vision for children and young people to ensure they enjoy and achieve and our extended schools strategy is about making sure as many children as possible. There is already a fantastic amount happening in schools across the borough, all of which must be both fun and challenging otherwise they wouldn't choose to go!”<br><br>Editors notes<br><br>38 Islington schools now run breakfast clubs, offering over 700 places across the borough.<br><br>The Quality in Study Support (QISS) recognition scheme provides kite-mark of quality standards which promote ‘Raising achievement by enhancing the quality of learning outside the school day.’<br><br>The QISS programme aims to enhance the provision of study support and out of school hours learning, and to improve the dissemination of good practice. The three levels of recognition are; emerging, established and advanced.<br><br>QISS is endorsed by the DfES.<br><br>For further information about QISS go to www.qiss.org.uk
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009