DISADVANTAGED children from poorer backgrounds will be given better access to out-ofschool activities thanks to extra cash being pumped into Southampton’s schools.

More than £700,000 will be given to Southampton City Council schools through a Government grant designed to cut inequalities in education, as part of a £20m national scheme announced yesterday.

It is hoped the money, allocated from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), will allow pupils in more deprived areas to take advantage of trips and after-school activities that they might otherwise miss out on.

Getting youngsters to join in with sports or arts clubs, breakfast sessions or school outings is seen as key to improving their behaviour, communication and confidence, and ultimately helping them to achieve more in school. Pilot schemes of the subsidy have shown significant rises in the number of pupils from poorer backgrounds taking part in out-of-school activities.

On average, schools reported an 80 per cent rise in the proportion of target group kids participating in clubs and going on trips. Just 35 per cent had taken part in activities before the funding, but this rose to 63 per cent after the grants were delivered.

Hilary Emery, the TDA’s executive director of development and improvement, said the money could make a real difference to children in poorer areas.

“Schools offering extended services are reaping the benefits, with many headteachers reporting pupils having increased motivation, better behaviour, improved attendance and higher levels of overall attainment,” she said. “It is easy to see how the subsidy makes such a difference, as it means all children and young people have the same opportunity to access out-ofhours school activities.

“Schools need to ensure financially disadvantaged children are aware of the extended services on offer in their school, the benefits of involvement and that they can take part too.”

Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for schools councillor Paul Holmes, said: “This presents us with an exciting opportunity that will ensure that every child and young person can benefit from a range of rewarding after school and holiday activities.”