176 pages
234 x 156mm
June 2009

Over the past half century, millions of children have spent their Saturdays or Sundays in the schools set up by their communities. This book reveals the workings of complementary schools and examines their significance for black communities and for bilingual children. It shows how the contribution of complementary schools to pupils’ education and their achievement in the mainstream is growing and changing. By critically evaluating existing practices, the authors identify the good practice that characterises complementary schools and indicate avenues for closer collaboration between these and mainstream schools.

Readers of this comprehensive study of the complementary sector will find

• an account of the historical and political background and the emergence of community generated schools


• analysis of current provision in the context of local and national policies


• examination of curriculum provision, teaching approaches and training needs, based on data analysis of ongoing practice


• case studies illustrating the diversity of complementary school provision


• discussion of the implications for complementary and mainstream teachers, managers, policy makers and initial teacher education institutions


• recommendations for strengthening provision and fostering collaboration across all education provision.