Industry News
Schools to promote cohesion
Posted on 20th July 2007
Schools have a key role to play in bringing communities together and bring about change, according to Jim Knight.
The schools minister has unveiled government plans to make it compulsory for schools to promote the cohesion of communities.
Under the Education and Inspections Act 2006, all schools in England have a duty to promote community cohesion, with this coming into effect on September 1st this year.
Ofsted's duty will commence in September 2008.
Guidance published this week will help schools to show "real evidence" of activities working towards bringing communities closer together.
According to Mr Knight, the majority of schools are already involved in such activities with parents, families and members of the community in order to bring about improved cohesion.
Commenting on the new plans, the schools minister said: "The impact of this duty will mean that schools can become real dynamos of change within their communities inside and outside the school gates."
In addition, Mr Knight said it will support pupils to achieve their potential as well as bring various groups of the community together.