Coming Together: Reflections on the term

As we near the end of term, it has been wonderful to reflect on what has been a full and busy term of Schools Linking. It has been great to see all that has been happening across the country in classrooms, communities, and partnerships. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in our work for your commitment, creativity and care.

We have recently been delighted to meet colleagues from our 26 Local Authority areas at our annual face-to-face Network Meetings. We were especially pleased to welcome our partners from Cardiff, as this year the programme has extended into Wales, with 16 classes linking from September — an exciting milestone for us all.

Essential in our locally-led, nationally backed model is the mechanism that allows us to share the many inspiring examples of good practice taking place across the country. Our annual meetings offer invaluable space and time for partners to come together, listen, learn, and action plan as we continue striving to be collectively courageous in this work.

In amongst all the adult voices, it was of course the pupils who stole the show — as they always do. Children are at the heart of our work, and hearing directly from them is a powerful reminder of why this programme matters. We listened to pupils reflecting on their Schools Linking experiences: what they learned, how they felt, and how the programme could be even better. One Year 4 pupil summed up the essence of linking beautifully:

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t see them again — you are going to carry them with you in your heart.”

Collectively, the network reaches 26,000 children and young people enabling them to build positive, meaningful connections that build awareness, curiosity and confidence in contact.

The Schools Linking Programme strengthens community cohesion by facilitating sustained social mixing between pupils. Pairs of classes link together over a full school year, learning alongside each other and getting to know one another. Through this process, pupils explore identity, become more comfortable with difference, and build connections across their local area. Over the course of an academic year, the programme fosters curiosity, understanding and belonging through shared, memorable and joyful experiences. It is fully aligned with national curriculum and Ofsted objectives. We are also delighted to deliver our Intergenerational Linking programme as well as other school and curriculum support.

Our work is only possible because of the vibrant network of local area facilitators, schools, teachers, cultural and community organisations, and partners from across the country.

We end the term even more determined and excited by our work — inspired by the pupils, energised by the partnerships, and committed to ensuring that even more children can experience positive, memorable and meaningful opportunities to connect with others.