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1. Why was the Learn Together Partnership formed?

The Partnership was formed to work collaboratively in order to maximise the effectiveness of member Authorities initally in supporting the raising of pupil attainment and school improvement, and in meeting the emerging challenges of high quality service delivery.

The Partnership comprises Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, Warrington and Wirral Authorities.

2. What are the key operational themes for the Partnership?

Three initial key themes were identified:

•  to establish a programme of mutual peer service review
•  to develop a programme of professional sharing / work exchanges;
•  a commitment to developing joint service delivery

Themes for 2005 onwards are:

3. What activities does the partnership support?

The Partnership supports a range of activity which includes:

•  Briefing Seminars which give partners an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences in pilots or innovative projects of wider significance;
•  Specialist Networks;
•  Sharing of data and its analysis;
•  Work shadowing and peer sharing of information;
•  Peer Review based on elements of statutory inspection frameworks;
•  Benchmarking;
•  Developing joint service delivery mechanisms, e.g. Governor Training and Continuous Professional Development;
•  Assisting partners with service delivery where required;
•  Liaising with regional and national bodies as appropriate.

6. What is the purpose of the LIBRARY area?

The LIBRARY is an area which will contain key documents such as protocols, reports and notes of key meetings which are available for wider circulation.

It is intended that this can be used also to make available any documents which individual authorities may believe are of interest to partners. It can facilitate consultation within the partnership, and can be used to deposit research or even ‘think-pieces’ and discussion items. Users are asked to respect the confidentiality of this area by not further disseminating papers without the express approval of the writer.

7. How do I contact officers within each member Authority and why can I not access the LIBRARY area?

If you work for a partner authority you will have access to NETWORK, confidential pages within the website which will assist you in making direct contact with counterparts and other officers.

If you are from another authority, or have a general enquiry, main contact details are on the PARTNERS page.

Initially, access to the LIBRARY area will be limited to officers in partner LAs. This is to preserve a level of confidentiality within the Partnership and to create space within which it can develop as a learning organisation. It is up to each LA to determine those to whom it will accord access rights.

8. I am an officer of a partner Authority will I need a password?

Passwords are no longer needed although there are key contact officers within each authority. For further assistance please contact the Partnership Co-ordinator.

9. Do all activities involve all partners?

No. A large proportion of initiatives involve bipartite, tripartite or small group arrangements. The partnership celebrates diversity of approach within a learning culture.