This article discusses the implementation of ‘full-time schools’, a recent Portuguese public policy to extend primary education services from five to eight hours per day, including a set of optional new activities in all public schools that are free to parents. After a broad presentation of the national programme and in order to understand administration dominant conceptions, as well as to identify good practices and innovation projects in this field, our research has focused on five cases that the administration in different regions have considered to be successful. Each case studied included documental analysis, direct observation, interviews with leaders and supervisors, and focus groups with parents, students and activities monitors. Considering the empirical results, in this article we focus on four dimensions central to the success of these experiences: (1) the local network and project; (2) time and space management; (3) integration of the activities monitors; and (4) pedagogical practices.

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Children,Education,Innovation,Public policies,Schools,Teachers

• Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences