What the Service does for schools

In regard to the interests of the Bishop and Diocesan Trustees, the Diocese of Lancaster Education Service:

  • receives, monitors, consults and responds to DFE initiatives;
  • provides documentary guidance on Church and statutory matters;
  • delivers structured Catholic training for serving & aspiring senior leaders, R.E. teachers, and others;
  • supports the Bishop in the fulfilment of canonical requirements relating to Catholic schools;
  • supports and monitors provision for Religious Education.

In support of those directly responsible for schools, the Service:

  • gives individual support to headteachers, clergy and governors;
  • plans and facilitates structured opportunities for consultation and policy development by the diocese and schools;
  • consults, plans and provides an on-going programme of continuing professional development for:
    • Headteachers
    • Deputy headteachers
    • Secondary R.E. teachers
    • Primary subject leaders
    • Newly qualified teachers
    • Teachers new to Catholic schools
    • Governors
    • School chaplains

In regard to meeting the diocese’s statutory responsibilities, the Service:

  • appoints Foundation Governors;
  • provides on-going support & training for Governing Bodies;
  • represents the interests of both the diocese and schools by professional liaison with Local Authorities;
  • represents the diocese to DFE, OFSTED and HMI in procedures to recover schools from Special Measures or Serious Weaknesses;
  • manages, administers and monitors ‘Section 48’ Inspections on behalf of governing bodies and the diocese;
  • facilitates the work of the diocesan School Building Committee.