Things
are changing for Church Schools. In 2001 a report
entitles, 'The Way ahead: Church Schools in
the new
millennium' was published by the Archbishops' Council of
the Church of England. Among other things, it said that
Church Schools were to be at the centre of the mission of
the Church to the nation. Parishes are not to see their
parish schools as an add on feature to their life but as
integral to the life of their parish. Government rules
have
changed so it is to be easier for 'Controlled' Schools to
become 'Aided' Schools. The report recommends that
parishes and schools consider making this step.
The historic difference was that controlled schools were
controlled by the Local Education Authority but the
Church
had a minority say, and school worship had to that of the
Church of England. Aided Schools were controlled by the
Church but the government gave funds to aid them in their
work. With Local Management of Schools and other
measures the difference between the two types of Church
Schools is now less. But Governing Bodies of Aided
Schools, which have a majority of Church appointed
members, can require greater Christian commitment from
the
Head Teacher and other staff; they have greater control
over admissions and can determine the Religious education
taught.
Over recent years the relationship between our schools,
both controlled schools, and the parish has been growing
increasingly closer. Both governing bodies believe we
should seek aided status. This month there will be a
period of
consultation about this change. There are to be four open
meetings: at All Saints School at 7.30 pm on Thursday
13th
May and 2.45 pm on Friday 14th May and at St Stephen's:
at 2.30 pm on Tuesday 18th May and 7.30 pm on
Wednesday 19th May. There will be a consultation document
to guide comments. It would greatly help if every
member of our parish could attend at least one of these
meeting and show support for the change.
This change is worth making irrespective of other
changes. However, discussions are in hand about the
possibility of
a new church school to replace both our present schools
on a new site in Eccleston Road. As the process to
become
aided proceeds there may be additional proposals about
merging the schools and establishing the amalgamated
school
on a new site. It all depends on several meeting taking
place in April and May.
I think that this is an exciting time for our schools. No
only are they improving in the quality of the education
they
provide but there are more opportunities for children to
hear and ask about the Christian Story. Please pray for
our
parish schools, staff and pupils and that our parish may
serve them well.
Christopher Morgan-Jones
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