ALL schools in Kirklees will be open until 6pm within three years.

The council plans to offer childcare, homework clubs, sports and music.

By 2010 all schools in Kirklees will be taking part in the Extended Schools programme.

Fran Perry, head of the council’s Extended Learning Service, said: “The whole thing is predicated on what the needs of the community are. There’s consultation with parents about the needs in the area.

“Extended Schools is about getting parents back to work and raising educational standards.”

Ms Perry said the scheme was making good progress.

She said: “I think we’re doing well in Kirklees. Schools are reasonably keen to engage and 45% of them are already taking part.”

But Ms Perry added that traditional after-school activities would continue. She said: “This doesn’t negate the work that teachers have been doing after school for years.

“Staff will only get involved in activities if they want to.”