Make sure the project is supported by senior management

To be effective, partnership projects need the support of senior management. Ideally, the headteacher should be involved in identifying the objectives of a project and helping to decide the best approach.

Communicate well
with the arts organisation

Talk to the arts organisation:

• before the project – to explain your pupils' needs and what you want to achieve
• during the project – to discuss progress and ask for changes to plans, if necessary
• after the project – to give feedback on the work.

Make the most of phone, fax and email to keep in touch – tell the organisation when the best time is to call you so that communication is as effective as possible. Work with the organisation – the best projects result from close collaboration, which also eases your preparatory work.

Know what you want
to achieve

Be clear about your objectives for the work and communicate them early, both in terms of pupils' arts education and wider school improvement (for example improving behaviour and attendance). This will enable the arts organisation to provide the right project for you.

Arrange a visit to school

If you are taking part in a long-term project, ask a member of the organisation's education team to visit your school beforehand, so that they get to know the school environment, staff and pupils. This is particularly important if in-school workshops are planned.

Make sure that everyone involved understands the project

If a number of teachers are going to be involved in a project, make sure that they all understand practical arrangements and the objectives of the work. If the organisation runs an INSET session or holds a briefing meeting, all teachers involved should attend.

Choose which pupils
to involve in the work

Projects work best when pupils are carefully chosen to take part. Focusing on specific pupils means that the content and approach of a project can be tailored to meet their needs exactly. It also makes pupils feel valued and raises their self-esteem.

Learn from expert practitioners

As well as inspiring pupils, watching expert practitioners at work can be a great learning opportunity for staff.

Ask for work in and
out of school

Where possible, combine in-school workshops with visits to the organisation. Pupils tend to be more relaxed and open in their own environment, while a visit to an organisation can be inspirational and memorable.

Provide constructive feedback

Take part in any evaluation exercises offered by the organisation and encourage pupils to do the same. Your feedback will help the organisation to improve what it offers in the future and ensure it delivers what you need.

Build a long-term relationship with an organisation

As the organisation gets to know your school, it will be able to meet your needs more closely.