Churches unite in plan to ‘transform’ education in England

The Church of England’s Education Office has published a joint report with the National Society, the Catholic Education Service (CES) and the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) seeking to “transform” education in England.

Document, Developing TogetherIt focuses on the concept of “thriving” (the word appears 78 times in 17 pages) of children, adults and schools – it says: “thriving as an inherently social and relational structure that puts the other first, considers and understands equality, diversity, inclusion and justice”.

This vision applies to all schools, not just faith schools, and “focuses on serving the common good by relentlessly prioritizing the most vulnerable in every classroom, hallway, school and community,” according to the report.

Thriving is not just about “academic excellence” but also about “making long-term, life-enhancing contributions to the development of society through reciprocity and solidarity, the pursuit of peace, the pursuit of social justice, and prioritization of the environment.”

The report notes that changes, even if positive, have historically been made through “short-term policy or procedure changes for the school system rather than being developed by and with the school system.” At times, this approach has had “deeply problematic” effects, such as “chronic deprioritization of resources for the most vulnerable, benchmarking accountability, fear and anxiety, workload challenges due to the demand to ‘do more with less,’” and competition. “Systematic collaboration”.

The document presents a theological model for thriving in schools that links purpose, relationships, learning, resources and well-being. He offers ten “seeds” that he argues are essential for a thriving education system.

The first two are to eliminate child poverty “by viewing education as a key lever of social change”, including creating a coalition of partner organizations to inform best practice and lobbying the Government on the issue.

The third is to celebrate diversity. “We cannot tolerate the existing structural inequalities in the system and recognize that we have a part in reinforcing inequality for generations. “This journey requires long-term commitment and immediate short-term action that includes representation at all levels.”

The next steps are to “deepen integration with communities”, prioritize the voices of children and young people, and bring long-term resourcing and “immediate reform” to the “broken” system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The ultimate seeds for these are to “generously resource” well-trained professionals across educational institutions, realign the accountability of schools and trusts to professional standards, develop “evidence-based” professional qualifications and support adults choosing careers in education.

Andy Wolfe, the National Society’s executive director of education, said the report “calls on us all to think long term, to shape decisions today that will nourish lives well beyond the typical political cycle.” This report is about creating a narrative of hope and opportunity for every student in schools across England; “A narrative that invites every community and educator to the table.”

Leora Cruddas, chief executive of CST, said: “Thriving is about creating a culture where every child and adult can develop their potential. But this is not something we can achieve alone. Flourishing Together invites leaders across the sector to come together around this common goal for the good of all .”

Family resources were released. Based on feedback on the 2023 report, the Archbishops’ Commission on Families and Households has produced a range of resources for children and young people: Love Matters (News, April 26, 2023). The commission also worked with schools in Gosport and Fareham in Hampshire to inform resources, including an eight-page guide to the report and videos and worksheets for schools and youth groups.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “A year on, the Commission’s findings continue to reflect reality: we must prioritize families and households in all their diversity. “I pray that these resources will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to consider and take practical action on how we can support loving, caring relationships throughout our society.”