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Community engagement

About community engagement

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Since 1997 specialist schools have been required to work with other schools and wider community groups as part of their remit. Nearly ten years on this rewarding yet challenging role is fast developing as engagement with the community is prioritised in government policy. On these pages you can find case studies, guidance, information on current initiatives and links to organisations and agencies with a community focus.

Standards for community cohesion

From September 2007 all schools will have a duty to promote community cohesion. The DfES has produced draft guidelines and has invited responses by July 3 so that a final document can be available to schools before the end of term. To download the guidance and the consultation form, go to http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1471

Social Capital

What is Social Capital, and why has it become such an important issue in education? This article de-mystifies one of the most significant areas of Community Engagement

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Community performance indicators


The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust has produced a Performance Framework for the community role of specialist schools.

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New Community Prompts

The new DfES guidance for specialist schools includes an expanded table of prompts for community engagement.

Please click here for more information.

Specialist schools and extended services

By 2010 the vast majority of secondary schools will be both specialist and providers of extended services. See our extended services page for details of support and forthcoming events.