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.

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