Introduction to Community Cohesion
A definition of community cohesion
The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) Guidance on the duty to promote community cohesion, published in July 2007, states that:
"By community cohesion we mean working towards a society in which:
- there is a common vision and sense of belonging by all communities
- the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued
- similar life opportunities are available to all, and
- strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed in the workplace, in schools and in the wider community."
How do schools contribute?
Schools' contribution to promoting community cohesion can be
considered from three broad perspectives:
1. Teaching, learning and curriculum — helping children and young people to learn to understand others, to value diversity whilst also promoting shared values, to promote awareness of human rights and to apply and defend them, and to develop the skills of participation and responsible action — for example through the new 'Identity and Diversity: living together in the UK' strand within citizenship education.
2. Equity and excellence — to ensure equal opportunities for all to succeed at the highest level possible, striving to remove barriers to access and participation in learning and wider activities and working to eliminate variations in outcomes for different groups.
3. Engagement and extended services — to provide reasonable means for children, young people, their friends and families to interact with people from different backgrounds and build positive relations: including links with different schools and communities and the provision of extended service with opportunities for pupils, families and the wider community to take part in activities and receive services which build positive interaction and achievement for all groups.
The four dimensions of community.
What do we mean by 'community'? The word 'community' has many meanings. Four dimensions are defined in the DCSF guidance on the duty to promote community cohesion. These are:
1. The school as a community
2. The community within which the school is located
3. The UK community
4. The global community
The DCSF guidance also refers to the communities created by schools, for example as they collaborate with other schools and institutions on a national or international level.
These dimensions have direct relevance for meeting Every Child Matters outcomes. The school operates as a community itself and its cohesiveness will have a powerful influence on those who spend time there. Through its work and partnerships across different groups, a school may already be promoting cohesion and providing a common point of communication for a wide range of people. Equipping young people to make a positive contribution, to care for and contribute to their communities, to understand human rights and gain an international perspective all go towards developing responsible young citizens who support cohesion.
Related sites and downloads
- DCSF Guidance on the Duty to promote community cohesion — information for schools on the duty
- Assisting the development of personalised learning
- Summary of information and schools resources related to the various aspects of community cohesion
- Diversity and Citizenship curriculum review — a report from the 'Diversity and Citizenship' curriculum review, which looked at diversity across the curriculum and whether British modern, social and cultural history should be the fourth strand of citizenship in the National Curriculum.
- Faith in the system — sets out Governments and
faith school providers commitment to work together with all schools to
contribute to a cohesive society
Commission on Integration and Cohesion: Our Shared Future — final report from the Commission on Integration and Cohesion on how local areas can make the most of diversity
Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) — Government response to final report from the Commission on Integration and Cohesion - DCSF information and safeguarding guidance
- Every Child Matters guidance on safeguarding children and staying safe
- Admissions Code — the new Schools Admissions Code emphasises the importance of admissions arrangements that promote community cohesion and social equity
- School uniform — DCSF information to schools on uniform
- Forced marriage
Last updated: 29 September 2008
