Ensuring access and inclusion for disadvantaged children in extended services: identifying the barriers and promoting choice

This article by Nick Frost of Leeds Metropolitan University, Sue Elmer of Leeds Trinity University, and Lesly Best and Sue Mills, who are both Independent Researchers, looks at the experience of marginalised children in extended services. The authors conducted research into access to, and inclusion in, extended services based within schools and children's centres. A wide range of research methods were used, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The views of children and young people, their parents and a range of professionals were gathered to inform the study. The study identifies barriers that limit childrens' opportunities for access and inclusion. An important aspect of the research was identifying solutions to overcome these barriers in order to promote improved access, inclusion and choice. Following completion of the research, a toolkit was developed to enable extended services to assess and improve their practice.