- The principal focus of the work of the Board of Education is on its Church Schools, which have approximately 43,000 pupils in them. This presents enormous opportunities and challenges to the Diocese, its schools and parishes to promote the Christian message and values among so many children and young people – the greater part of whom will have no links with their local church.
- The Board has enhanced its support services for its church schools by developing a new Service Agreement approach with the schools. This provides the means for schools to access advice, information and professional support on Collective Worship, Religious Education and the development of a school’s distinctive character as a Church of England school.
- The Board is involved in the maintained system of education at this very important interface with the wider society and works closely and in partnership with the seven Local Authorities in the Diocese (Sandwell, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford & Wrekin, Walsall and Wolverhampton) and also with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and other education interests, such as within higher and further education.
- Support is also given to Christian teachers, providing pastoral care and advice, whether they work in church or community schools and to clergy and parishes as they seek to foster closer links with their schools.
- The Board of Education is committed to the Diocesan Strategy Going for Growth! and plays a fully inclusive role in its relationship with the other Divisions that comprise the Diocese.
- The Board relates to Dovedale House Residential Centre, Ilam, which provides good accommodation, facilities and leadership for children and young people, providing them with a warm Christian welcome.
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