Catholic Schools in Arundel and Brighton
Introduction
The Church sees Schools as an important part of the work of its mission (see Canons 794-797). The Bishop has extensive obligations and rights in relation to Catholic schooling in order to ensure the Catholic ethos and character of any schools in his diocese (see Canons 802-806). The Bishop in this diocese carries out these obligations and rights through the Schools Service.
In Arundel & Brighton the schools service is part of the diocesan Curia under the leadership of the Director of Schools who is assisted by a team of staff, responsible for offering training as well as support and care to Catholic Schools in the diocese in both the maintained and independent sector. The schools service also liaises with Local Education Authorities throughout the diocese and the Catholic Education Service based in London.
Director of Schools: Mrs Mary Reynolds M.A.,Cert.Ed
Consultant Education Officer: Mr Geoff Taylor J.P., B.Ed. (Hons.), M.A.
Planning & Development Officer: Mr David Sanders
Primary Adviser: Mrs Angela O'Hara M.A.
Chaplain Co Ordinator: To be appointed
Assistant Education Officer: Mrs Gill Sajnog
Secretary: Mrs Ann Baldwin
Part-Time Secretary: Mrs Pauline Garrity
The team aims to support the schools of the Diocese through:
- the provision of quality information, training, advice and guidance to headteachers and governors.
- working closely with heads and governors to develop policies and services that reflect schools' real needs
- maintaining effective partnerships with other dioceses, the CES and the LAs.
- helping schools to recruit and retain senior managers, teachers and governors.
- helping schools to monitor and develop their religious education provision.
- supporting schools in difficulty.
- supporting newly appointed heads by induction and mentoring.
- providing a "Section 48" school inspection service.
- encouraging productive collaboration between schools, parishes and diocesan agencies.
Links to Bishop
The Director of Schools meets with the Bishop or one of the Vicars General who reports back to the Bishop as often as required.
Other Links
The Director of Schools and one of the Vicars General are both ex-officio members of the Diocesan Schools Committee and with the Bishop responsible for developing and supporting its work.
