Many clergy and lay people will have formal and informal links with schools, especially, but not exclusively, Church of England schools. Involvement with a school, particularly a Church school is a significant pastoral opportunity as well as responsibility.
The Church Schools in the Diocese of London offer an important opportunity for pastoral care and mission.
These schools have a pupil population of about 50,000. The London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) represents the interest of the Diocese in respect of statutory education, particularly Church of England schools. The Board is a separate legal entity from the London Diocesan Fund but shares the same premises in Causton Street and works closely with it and its officers.
The governance, management and operations of schools are complex affairs determined by more than a century of legislation. This section does not attempt to summarise the regulations affecting schools and church-school matters but instead refers people to sources of detailed information and advice.
Parish priests of parishes with Church Schools are ex-officio members of the governing bodies of the schools and the PCC and Deanery Synod also nominate foundation governors to these schools. Great care should be taken in nominating suitable people to act as governors.
Inquiries or concerns about aspects of schools, church-school relations, the role of the LDBS and the Local Education Authority or any aspect to do with schools, are referred to the following sources of information.
For general inquiries contact the LDBS on 020 7932 1100. LDBS staff will do their best to answer all inquiries or refer you to appropriate sources. E-mail inquiries can also be received (name of officer)@london.anglican.org
The Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 1991. This Measure sets out the functions, composition, powers and duties of every Diocesan Board of Education. The London Diocesan Board for Schools is equivalent to other Diocesan Boards of Education. The LDBS as an incorporated company also has its own articles and memorandum of association, and publishes an annual report and accounts. All these documents can be obtained directly from the LDBS.
School Governors: A Guide to the Law. This is a useful (free) publication from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Every governor should have been given one. It summarises in plain English all of the main legal and general aspects concerning the governance and management of schools. There are separate versions for aided, controlled, foundation and community schools. Copies of this publication should be obtainable from the DCSF or local education authority (Governor Section).
For more information, the follow websites are useful sources of information.
The National Society for Promoting Religious Education
The Department for Children, Schools and Families
