What is community cohesion?

Community cohesion is not a special programme or project. Community cohesion is about how we all feel about our community and how we ensure our local place is one where everyone matters equally and feels a sense of belonging as well as a connection to the wider world.

This is a reflection of the DCSF’s description of community cohesion as promoting a society in which:

  • there is a common vision and sense of belonging by all communities
  • the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued
  • similar life opportunities are available to all
  • strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed in the workplace, in schools and in the wider community.

Schools, as centres of local communities, have a duty to promote community cohesion. Following the publication of two key reports for Central Government, The Diversity and the Curriculum Review produced by Sir Keith Ajegbo in January 2007 and Our Shared Futures: Report of the Commission of Integration and Cohesion, produced by DCLG, the DCSF issued Community Cohesion guidance for schools. This guidance outlines schools’ contribution to community cohesion under three headings:

  • Teaching, learning and curriculum – Helping young people learn to understand others, value diversity and promote shared values. To promote awareness of human rights and develop the skills needed to participate responsibly.
  • Equity and excellence – Ensuring equal opportunities for all and removing barriers to participation.
  • Engagement and extended services – Providing reasonable means for young people and their families to interact with people from different backgrounds and build positive relations.

The recent government White paper, Your child, your schools, our future: building a 21st century schools system (June 2009), highlights the important role played by schools in promoting community cohesion. It makes clear that all children and young people will need to “develop respect and understanding for those from different backgrounds, and the confidence and skills to make a positive contribution to their community.”

SLN offers a creative and proactive programme to support schools and local authorities to set up and deliver successful community cohesion projects.

SLN aims to:

  • develop and deepen children’s and young people’s knowledge and understanding of identity, diversity and community
  • develop skills of enquiry, critical thinking and communication
  • develop trust, empathy, awareness and respect
  • provide opportunities for children and young people to meet, build new relationships, work together and contribute to the wider community
  • provide opportunities for adults who work with children and young people to share good practice and increase understanding of the issues of identity, diversity and community.

Look at some examples of community cohesion in Case studies.

Look at some examples of community cohesion in Case studies

All schools can benefit from partnership arrangements, and many do already, both to share their good practice and to offer pupils the opportunity to meet and learn from and with other young people from different backgrounds. In many cases, these links may be with a very different type of school – either locally or further afield, for example serving different communities in a city, county or region.

Guidance on the duty to promote community cohesion