Leading Change

Meaningful and lasting community change always originates from within, and local residents in a community are the best experts on how to activate that change.

Inclusion is an ongoing process of adjusting to diversity; it liberates and engages all individuals by creating a culture that fosters belonging and participation.

The process of inclusion connects the underpinning philosophies of equality and diversity, and aims to improve the practice of supportive relationships within communities. It is a process that shares power amongst all stakeholders, and builds on existing good practice by improving mainstream policies and practice.

Working together is defined by interaction between individuals and groups to achieve common goals, resolve conflict and create community cohesion. It involves belonging to a wider community with shared values and responsibilities. In co-operative groups, people come together to explore issues of concern and interest.

All members of the group contribute to the ideas that go into their joint work and are part of the activity as a whole. Everyone has a say in deciding what questions are addressed and what ideas may be of help; everyone contributes to thinking about how to explore the issues; everyone gets involved in the activity and finally, everybody has a say in whatever conclusions the group may reach.

Reports

Ofsted Inspection (pdf)
Investors in People (pdf)

Consultations

Future & Innovation PowerPoint (pdf)
Consultation on School Development (pdf)

Prospectus

Highfurlong School Prospectus (pdf).

Celebrating our success!

 

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It is essential that all group members seek consensus and actively develop a shared understanding of what the whole group needs in order to participate.

A shared process does not happen if one or two people dominate the group or if some voices are ignored altogether.

It is also important to note that there may be people outside the group who are affected by its actions. While they might not be full members, they too should be approached in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue.

Building Social Capital

• Talk to your team about their beliefs, values and behaviour.

• Invite individuals from other agencies and families to your meetings and open days.

• Find ways of including their thoughts in your organisation’s dialogues; and invite the community to share your vision.

• Research your community. Which groups are you not reaching? Who, in your neighbourhood, does not even make it through the door? Find out why.