Last Wednesday 15 October, the Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion held its second full meeting at Oasis, St Martin’s Village, focusing on how education can help strengthen connection and cohesion across Britain.
This meeting followed the Commission’s recent evidence session on education and a wider series of interviews with experts across the sector. Through this work, the Commission has heard from a range of voices – including Vivienne Stern, Dame Mary Beard, Professor Ted Cantle, and Katharine Birbalsingh – alongside many other education experts and school leaders. Their evidence fed into the commissioner discussion, highlighting practices in schools that can foster belonging and embed shared values, as well as the civic roles of colleges and universities.
In Wednesday’s session, commissioners reflected on challenges to cohesion and connection in educational settings such as potential barriers to social mixing for pupils and students in different educational settings, and how these could be addressed. They also considered the role of civic education of these institutions in the shared life of their local communities.
After the meeting, commissioners heard from Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, about the Oasis Village model – which brings schools, charities and community organisations together to support children, families and the wider community. A small group of commissioners were then able to tour the St Martin’s Village campus, meeting those working across its partnerships to see first-hand how the model connects education and community life.
The visit formed part of the Commission’s wider programme of visiting examples of best practice around the country – learning from communities already finding new ways to bring people together.
Each full commissioner meeting builds on the evidence gathered through expert hearings, research and community visits, allowing commissioners to test ideas, debate key challenges and begin shaping practical recommendations. The education session was one of a series of thematic discussions taking place over the coming months as the Commission develops its final report.
The next step in the Commission’s programme will be an evidence session on The Economy, Business & Employment, exploring how good work, economic opportunity and local enterprise can strengthen connection and trust.