Finding advice and practical support
Whether you are looking to forge new links or to build on existing partnerships, you could consider getting in touch with some, or all of, the following.
Local education authorities and arts education agencies
Some local education authorities (LEAs) have specialist arts advisers who provide curriculum development support and facilitate INSET sessions and courses. Other authorities fund more specialist arts education co-ordinator posts, which are particularly concerned with arts partnerships.
In some areas, arts education agencies offer a range of services to support the arts in schools. These are independent organisations, usually funded by the regional offices of Arts Council England, with LEAs and other partners.
A number of arts education agencies have joined up with the LEA, arts organisations and schools to form partnerships or forums to support arts education.
All of these local organisations offer some, or all of, the following:
- advice on arts partnerships;
- information about artists and arts organisations available to work with schools;
- an on-line database of artists and arts organisations;
- advice on quality assurance and child protection issues;
- training for staff and artists;
- help with fundraising, or possible small grants towards projects;
- links with agencies and initiatives, such as Education Business Partnerships, SRB and other regeneration schemes.
Arts organisations
Many of the larger arts organisations -- such as theatres, galleries, arts centres and cinemas -- employ education officers to advise teachers on the most appropriate programmes and activities for their pupils. Some offer previews of programmes, 'hands-on' workshops, INSET and work placements as part of Education Business Partnership schemes.
A number of arts organisations also hire out specialist equipment, spaces or facilities that help schools improve their arts provision.
Regional offices of the Arts Council
Regional offices of the Arts Council may be able to offer support, advice and information. For example, some offices provide networking and training for groups of schools with common interests, such as specialist arts colleges, or primary schools that have received funding through the Space for Sports and Arts initiative.
You can find your regional office on the Arts Council England website.
Education Business Partnerships
Your local Education Business Partnerships will probably have a list of local arts-related businesses that are willing to work with schools. They may also be able to advise you on the best way to approach businesses that you would like to work with.
Other schools or colleges
Young people from specialist colleges or from secondary schools may be able to help with out-of-school hours arts activities for younger children as supervised volunteers.
Community facilities
Shared community facilities can enable schools to offer opportunities that they could not provide on their own. For example, a jointly funded music recording and editing suite near a school could be used by staff and pupils in the day, then by young people in the evening. This community use could attract regeneration funding if it is in an area of deprivation.
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