Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester

Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester

Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester

Affiliated Schools Scheme

  1. Introduction:

Much of the current political debate on education centres on the notion of choice and the encouragement of schools to seek ways in which to be distinctive. One way that this can be achieved is for community, foundation and independent schools to consider whether affiliation to the Church of England is an appropriate option. The Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester have been pioneers in this field in setting out ways in which this loose association may be of benefit. The purpose of this leaflet is to set out in practical terms what is involved, in order to enable headteachers and governors to assess whether this is an approach that they would wish to consider.

I hope you will find it informative and of interest. Should you wish to explore the possibilities further, then the process is as set out at the end of the leaflet. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tony Blackshaw

Diocesan Director of Education

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  1. Background:

The Anglican Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester cover most of Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, the Isle of Wight, most of Bournemouth and part of East Dorset. The Dioceses have special responsibilities to their Church of England Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled and Foundation schools, of which there are currently 145. The Diocesan Education Department actively supports Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled and Foundation schools by providing training, advice, consultancy and expertise on all school-related matters;

As with all Church of England Dioceses however, the Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester recognise its God given responsibility to affirm and support all schools in their areas. Weactively seek to forge links with community, foundation, special, faith and independent schools, so as to make a wider contribution to society’s task of educating and nurturing the next generation;

The Diocesan Education Department is offering Affiliated Status to schools who, for various reasons, wish to be more closely associated with their local Anglican Church and the wider community of the Diocese. Currently there are Affiliated schools drawn from the infant, primary and secondary phases in several dioceses across the Church of England.

  1. What are the benefits of Affiliation?

General:

3.1Every school is unique and there are many factors leading to schools considering Affiliation. There is however a common thread of advantages to be gained through Affiliation, as set out below:

3.2It is a clear statement that the school identifies with, embraces and promotes Christian standards and values;

3.3It is a recognition that human beings are tri-partite – body, mind and spirit and that a spiritual dimension is part of the essence of being human;

3.4It is an indication that the school places emphasis on spiritual, moral, social and cultural education, Religious Education and Collective Worship;

3.5It develops or builds on existing positive links between the school and the local Anglican church or churches;

3.6It is a tangible recognition of shared spiritual values between school and church. Whilst much will be held in common there will also be positive acknowledgement of the distinctive contribution of people of other faiths or no faith;

3.7It is seen as significant for a local parish. The clergy and congregation will take seriously the desire of a school to be more closely linked and will seek to build the relationship sensitively;

3.8It is popular with many parents as they like the clear message it gives about a school’s open attitude to wider community links, to its values, worship and spiritual life;

3.9It benefits the school by inclusion in the network of Diocesan Church Schools, with access to the support, services and activities provided by the Diocesan Education Department;

3.10It can be a significant factor in recruitment in that many parents value the church link and the ethos and values that this implies, allied with the fact that in general, church schools outperform other schools;

3.11For secondary schools, the recruitment factor can be of particular significance in providing a natural progression from church primary to church linked secondary education;

3.12It can be a practical demonstration of diversity of provision, as a way of being distinct from other local schools.

In Particular:

3.13Affiliated schools will receive information and have access to training, support and resources and activities available through the Diocesan Education Department (RE, Worship, SMSC);

3.14Affiliated schools will be included in the Diocesan Education Department’s programme of annual visits to review progress and discuss issues of concern;

3.15Year 2 and 6 pupils will be invited to the annual Leavers’ Services at the respective Cathedrals;

3.16Headteachers will be invited to attend the diocesan head teachers’ Conference and Retreat;

The interest in Affiliated status has in part developed as a result of the excellent links that exist with our partner Local Education Authorities. Other areas of the country are becoming interested as new forms of partnership are encouraged.

  1. How does a school benefit from and celebrate Affiliation?
  2. Decide what would be the most appropriate outward sign of the new status. This could be, for example, a logo on school notepaper, a banner or a plaque;
  3. Decide whether to have a launch event. The dioceses may be able to arrange for one of their Bishops to preside;
  4. It is recommended that a governor be appointed as “Link Governor” to the Dioceses for the duration of the Affiliation.
  1. What has to be done prior to Affiliation?

There are various stages in the process as set out below:

5.1Begin by raising the possibility of affiliation in conversations between local clergy, head teacher and governors and get agreement to consult and explore further;

5.2Inform staff and invite comment;

5.3Arrange a meeting with the Diocesan Director of Education to explore opportunities in some depth. Invite the local clergy, Chairman of Governors and others as appropriate;

5.4Prepare a document that sets out the perceived benefits to your School;

5.5Inform the wider school community. The greater the number of people who understand the concept and the benefits, the stronger the partnership will be. The diocese will provide a specimen letter for parents to help in the consultation process;

5.6When the governing body, after full discussion and consultation is satisfied that there is sufficient interest to proceed with Affiliated Status, pass a resolution to draw up an Affiliated Scheme Agreement, endorsed by local clergy and the diocese. This agreement can be adapted as required from the specimen Agreement as attached.

  1. What Affiliation is NOT

6.1It does not give the diocese any power or influence whatsoever in the schools executive functions;

6.2It is not about promoting Christianity rather than any other faith or belief system;

6.3It does not provide access to additional funding.

Affiliation is about offering an identifiable linkage with and service for those who wish to participate.

  1. How long does Affiliation apply?

7.1The Affiliation Agreement lasts initially for four years;

7.2The Affiliation is renewable;

7.3It can be reviewed by the head teacher, the governing body, local incumbent or the Diocese at any time. Such points would be a change in headship or a major change in the composition of the governing body.

September 2012

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AffiliationSchemePortsmouth&WinchesterSep2012.doc