Schools Linking highlighted in recent Government Strategies

Belonging is at the heart of our work at The Linking Network. For nearly 25 years, we have been strong in our conviction that schools play a vital role in helping children and young people feel that they belong to their local community – where they can develop the key life skills of establishing and developing relationships with others. We are therefore really pleased and reassured to see our Schools Linking work named in the latest Government strategies.

In Chapter 2 of Youth Matters: Your Youth Strategy, the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) state that the Government will continue to support our Schools Linking programme as,

“we know that for most young people, friendships start at school, where they meet, play, and forge relationships with peers. That’s why we will create schools where young people feel they belong and have the support they need to build positive relationships.”

Our work which brings together children and young people of different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, ages, and backgrounds to share experiences and make long-lasting friends is also highlighted in the Government’s Pride in Place Strategy from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Again, it recognises how crucial schools are to foster that sense of belonging and develop positive relationships with others.

“Schools and educational settings are the building blocks of community cohesion and resilience, bringing young people together from a range of backgrounds on a daily basis.”

Headteachers often cite their main reasons for wanting to link with another school as promoting shared values, building empathy and understanding of others. We were therefore really pleased to see these listed in the Department for Education’s final Curriculum and Assessment Review Report.

Inclusion is a golden thread which is embedded throughout this document. Schools Linking helps to deliver on this by providing opportunities for “shared experiences, creating connections and opportunities to explore a wide range of viewpoints.”

Recently the new government Social Cohesion Action plan has been published and this cites schools linking.

We are so pleased to be working with the Government on this important work – enabling children and young people to meet, connect with others from different backgrounds, thereby helping them meet that basic human need – one of belonging.