DfE and MHCLG endorsed Schools Linking Programme

The Inclusion Support Service Kent (ISSK) is delighted to have been commissioned again this year by The Linking Network to facilitate Schools Linking across Kent for 2018-19.

The Kent Schools Linking Programme has been running successfully in Primary schools for a number of years creating year-long, curriculum rich class links between schools across the county. We would like to invite you to join the programme, aimed at pupils in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 for the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Linking Network has been endorsed and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Pears Foundation. The programme is nationally recognised as offering a positive, age appropriate curriculum response to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, British values and the Prevent Duty; and has been named in the Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper which states: “The programme provides sustained opportunities for children and young people from different communities to meet, build new relationships, work together and contribute to the wider community “

Schools Linking creates real reasons for communicating and is a fantastic way for children to meet and interact with others to have fun whilst promoting social integration. Importantly, linking also promotes achievement through high quality literacy resources.

Two CPD sessions, ongoing advice, resources and a limited amount of hands on support from Kent Schools Linking Programme Advisors - Gillie Heath and the Inclusion Support Service Kent (ISSK) team are free to participating schools.

To join the 2018-19 programme please complete and return the expression of interest form (DOCX, 386.4 KB). Upon receipt of your form, we will contact you to discuss your school priorities, your preferred year group, and the number of classes you would like to be involved in the project; we will then be able to make an appropriate link. If you already have a school you connect with and would both like to take part in the linking project together, please write this on the expression of interest form.

For more information, please read The Schools Linking Flyer (PDF, 449.0 KB); or contact Gillie Heath by emailing Gillie.Heath@kent.gov.uk or calling 03000 41 70 93.

If you wish to be part of the programme, please complete the expression of interest form (DOCX, 386.4 KB) and return it to us by Monday 9 July.

Contact Details

Gillie Heath
Email: Gillie.Heath@kent.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 41 70 93