New Opportunities Fund Term-time Schemes, 2000 - 2003: an evaluation of 39 schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

David Pye, Claire Easton, Keith Mason

01 January 2004

This report presents an evaluation of 39 term-time schemes operating across the UK as part of the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) Out of School Hours Learning Programme (OSHL). The initiative aimed to raise levels of achievement in schools by improving pupils' attitudes to learning through participation in out of school term-time activities. Data collected was used in individual case study reports. The report is structured as a number of detailed theme-based chapters each including a discussion of issues raised. These are: types of project, typically homework clubs and sports activities; partnership models, often between secondary and their feeder primary schools; those involved in providing the schemes; those taking part, with particular reference to recruitment and attendance; monitoring and evaluation measures; issues relating to scheme sustainability; country-specific concerns about future developments. Recommendations relate to future implementation and funding of similar schemes while conclusions focus on issues related to the overall level of success and future sustainability.

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