It could lead to primary-aged children having childcare before and after school and also in holidays.

The scheme could lead to study support from 8am to 6pm for older children at their schools.

The plans would affect 31 schools in Oswestry, north Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Whitchurch, Ellesmere and Much Wenlock areas from next year.

And by 2010 all schools in the county could be involved.

'Community developments'

This would also lead to increased community use of school facilities, parenting support, and a faster referral to specialist support services.

Ann Hartley, Shropshire's cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is a brilliant initiative that offers us the potential to take another very welcome step in bringing school and community together.

"Extended schools may, or may not, be based on school property, but they are very much community developments - delivered by people from the community."