Networks for Schools 2024-25

Lead: Mark Whitehill, School Effectiveness Officer

Diocesan Schools' Network Groups

We host termly network groups around three key areas, SEND, Disadvantage and Diversity, with the option to to join one or all of these in-person networks. 

Disadvantage group

This network exists to provide a forum for discussion for schools across the Diocese to look at issues affecting children who may be affected by Disadvantage in its widest sense. It brings together schools from a wide variety of contexts, as Disadvantage exists for individuals as well as for communities. We look at issues affecting schools in terms of best practice, sharing ideas to ameliorate Disadvantage and to highlight current and emerging issues that are impacting on the school community, including families and school staff themselves.

Meetings are scheduled for

Autumn: Tuesday 22 October 2024 | 9:30am - 12:00pm

Spring: Wednesday 12 March 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm

Summer: Tuesday 10 June 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm

Diversity and Inclusion group

This network exists to look at ideas of how we can integrate Diversity and Inclusivity practice into areas of our schools’ work such as curriculum design and content, reading role models and authors, displays, recruitment and representation. This is particularly pertinent in Diocesan schools where our communities tend to be quite mono-cultural, recognising the need to prepare our children (and staff) for living and working in a multi-cultural and multi-faith world. The network explores issues no matter how far on the journey schools may be, in order to share a range of ideas and resources to develop sustainable change which will be impactful. We also discuss those areas which are more challenging for schools to develop practice in.

Meetings are scheduled for

Autumn: Tuesday 12th November 2024 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm (rescheduled from the 26th September)

Spring: Thursday 23 January 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm

Summer: Wednesday 21 May 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm (rescheduled from 30th April)

SEND group

This network provides an opportunity for those responsible for leading SEND in their school to come together to discuss current issues. It is particularly helpful as it brings together leaders from across the Diocese to share practice, discuss problems and possible solutions and to hear about emerging trends.

The agenda is generated from current national and local matters, as well as from participating schools agreeing on key items for discussion.

Meetings are scheduled for

Autumn: Wednesday 16 October 2024 | 9:30am - 12:00pm

Spring: Thursday 27 March 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm

Summer: Thursday 12 June 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm