The guidance outlines how schools can contribute towards community cohesion and is intended to support them to implement the new duty to promote community cohesion when it comes into effect in September 2007.

Many schools are already working with their pupils, and with the wider community, to support community cohesion. The DCSF wants to build on the best of that practice and from September 2007 there is a new duty on schools to promote community cohesion.

Guidance to support schools in implementing the duty has now been published. The guidance defines what is meant by community cohesion and how this relates to the role of schools. It also outlines the work that many are already doing.

The guidance explains how schools contribute to community cohesion through their approach to:

• Teaching, learning and the curriculum: to promote discussion about common values and diversity
• Equity and excellence: to ensure equal opportunities for all pupils to succeed at the highest level possible, by removing barriers to access and participation
• Engagement and extended services: to provide opportunities to interact and build links with parents, communities and other schools locally, nationally and internationally