Summer Schools open in Chesterfield

In Chesterfield three schools will be opening their doors this summer to help some of the most disadvantaged pupils in our area with the big step up from primary to secondary school.

Many pupils find the move to a bigger school and a more challenging curriculum daunting and this can lead to falling results and they often never catch up again.

To help pupils who are especially vulnerable to falling behind, those on free school meals (FSM) or looked-after children, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg launched the first Summer Schools programme this week.

Commenting, Cllr Ray Russell leader of Chesterfield Lib Dem Councillors said: "These Summer Schools can be the key to a child's success in later life. The step from primary to secondary school can be a really daunting one for many children.

If your confidence is knocked back at this stage, it is difficult to recover as a child progresses through the school. "Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government have done the right thing by using these summer schools to prevent people from falling behind rather than trying to help pupils catch-up after the damage has been done.

"By helping children and familiarising them with how a secondary schools looks and works, many of the problems can be resolved."

Commenting further, Nick Clegg said: "This is £50m worth of extra brain training giving tens of thousands of disadvantaged pupils a flying start at secondary school.

"It's two weeks in the summer holidays where pupils can catch up on learning and get to grips with life in secondary school - in short, get in the starting blocks ready for the off in September.

"Those who struggle to make the transition are often among the poorest in society, but two weeks of activities can really help to bridge the gap.

"It's good news for mums and dads too - no parent wants their child to be left out and fall behind. But not everyone has the luxury of taking long periods off work during the summer break.

"Summer schools will ensure pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds can start secondary school on an equal footing with their peers, setting them up to succeed."