Community Focused Schools guidance: Developing community engagement in Community Focused Schools

Research shows that, if schools are to play their full part in reducing the impact of poverty on attainment, strong engagement is required with the wider community.  Many schools work effectively with our Out of School Childcare Community, signposting to Out of School Clubs services, supporting management committees and offering the use of the school facilities.  We know that clubs can help families improve their circumstances, playing an essential role in tackling poverty and inequality as well as helping children develop essential life skills.

This guidance has been developed to support schools and other key stakeholders to develop their community engagement as part of a Community Focused Schools approach. There is also an infographic which provides an overview of Community Focused Schools. This builds on the Community Focused Schools guidance and Developing family engagement in Community Focused Schools guidance previously published.