Local Networks

The Board:

• Provides a focus for the diocesan family of C of E schools
• Provides regular mailings to schools
• Provides support for staff and governors of C of E schools
• Acts as a mediator or “critical friend” in areas of conflict or concern
• Organises meetings for headteachers and deputy headteachers
• Liaises with bishops, archdeacons and other Diocesan Boards and Committees
• Nominates members on local authority education committees or equivalent
• Continues to foster its partnership with the LAs in the diocese
• Ensures representation on Scrutiny Committees, School Organisation Committees, SACREs, Admission Forums, Schools Forums and any other group or body which relates to the work of our schools

National Networks

The Board:

• Negotiates directly with DfES, the National Society and the Archbishops’ Council Board of Education
• Protects the status of C of E schools and their distinctive nature
• Promotes the importance, continuance and development of C of E schools
• Promotes the establishment of new C of E schools and nursery provision
• Represents C of E schools to the wider church and diocesan groups
• Liaises with and works in partnership with other denominations involved in education

Other Services for Schools

Appointment of Staff

• In partnership with the LA, prepare and advise governors on the appointment of headteachers, and, where time allows, deputies including:
  1. The wording and placing of the advertisement
  2. Revising the job description
  3. Clarifying the person specification
  4. Determining selection methods and interview techniques
     
• Attend shortlisting and interviewing for headship, and, if possible, deputy head posts

Support for New Heads

• An induction course focusing on the distinctiveness of church schools which also provides the opportunity to meet other recently appointed C of E school head teachers and Education Board staff
• During the first two years the professional and pastoral support of a former C of E school Headteacher (called the Bishop ’s Mentor )
• Access to a variety of resources produced specifically for C of E schools by the diocese and the church at regional and national levels
• Advice and support through regular mailings, officers’ visits and relevant courses
• The annual Diocesan Education Conference for headteachers, chairs of governors and clergy governors offers the opportunity to explore topical issues from the church school perspective
• Training and support for governors of C of E schools additional and complementary to LA provision
• A network of peer support provided by the Diocesan Headteachers’ Association

Religious Education and Worship

• Co-ordinate the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools
• Ensure C of E representation on SACREs and Agreed Syllabus Conferences in each LA
• Identify new resource material for RE, worship and related areas and liaise with NERLRC, CEM and other organisations as appropriate
• Provide information about INSET courses
• Organise special events, eg. Leavers’ Service

Church School Ethos and Curriculum

• Advise on senior staff development and training opportunities for aspiring headteachers, aspiring deputy headteachers, NPQH, HIP, NCSL
• In partnership with the LAs provide on-going support for schools causing concern
• Inform schools about relevant INSET
• Organise the Annual Diocesan Education Conference

Governors

• Co-ordinate the appointment of foundation governors
• In partnership with the LAs provide induction training for new governors
• Arrange governor roadshows/training seminars addressing major changes
• Invite the Chair (or his/her representative) to attend the Annual Diocesan Education Conference

 Additional Services are provided under a Service Level Agreement (SLA)

• Full membership of NERLRC for RE/Worship Co-ordinator (or discounted group membership)
• 50% discount on all NERLRC courses
• Free advice on resourcing RE, ACW & SMSC
• Liaise with the RE co-ordinator to discuss current needs for RE curriculum development
• Whole school staff problem solving training session about the use of resources led by Karenza Passmore at NERLRC (by appointment with NERLRC)

For voluntary aided schools:

Finance

• Manage cash flow on capital projects as required
• Provide advice on the sources of funding available for building projects e.g. DFC, LCVAP

Buildings

• Advise governors on new building requirements in the context of the school development plan and/or post-OFSTED action plan; school premises regulations and DfES guidelines
• Maintain panel of approved building consultants and assist governors in their appointment
• Liaise with building consultants
• Prepare and promote capital bid applications with the LAs and liaise with the DfES
• Provide day to day advice concerning liability splits for new building works
• Liaise with LAs concerning specific allocations for aided shools
• Advise governors of their responsibilities in the development of the school premises
• Checking and completion of appropriate DfES Building Forms for approval applications

Governors

• Provide advice on admissions procedures
• Support governors in their role as employers
• Provide access for all governors to training on issues relevant to voluntary aided schools
• Whole Governing Body training
• Whole staff training
• Combined staff and governor training