Summary - This is an example of cross phase working to provide extended services based on sharing common resources, information, service delivery and planning. 

Hummerknott School and Language College (Specialist School) and Skerne Park Primary School (EiC Primary) serve contrasting wards in Darlington with different socio-economic profiles.  The schools have been working together and have recognised that better services for the local children and families  can be achieved through sharing common resources, information, service delivery and planning.  The schools provide a range of services including:

• Study support
• Childcare
• Family learning
• Adult education
• Student counselling services
• Provision of school facilities for sport
• Links with health and social services

One particular example of collaborative working between the schools has been a music project with young people. Drummers from Year 6 at Skerne Park were introduced to new music making and performing skills on steel pans by Hummerknott students. Such projects have been valuable in increasing skills in both groups of learners; in developing greater community cohesion and increasing the confidence and self esteem of young people.