The David Lewis College journey Anne Price – Director of Education Service at David Lewis Centre

Me in context Worked in LDD education services for 29years 24 yrs (83%) time in General Further Education (GFE) sector – when GFE went through incorporation in 92/93 5 yrs (17%) time in ISC sector. Ofsted part time inspector since 2002 Elected to Board of Director for Natspec David Lewis Centre has a school which is a member of NASS That brings many positives – the time invested has reaped many many benefits

How has my career helped the DLC journey? Been there before and have an understanding – but things have changed Networking with GFE colleagues key to understanding local 14 – 19 partnership Cheshire and Warrington Principals’ Group NW ISC partnership – Natspec regional group NW NASS regional group

The benefits and frustrations of partnerships Sit in meetings that could have little relevance to you – make it relevant! Been here before – we seem to be going back 15 / 20 years?? – flexibility / responsive to change / knowledge You realise that you have a lot to offer. Embrace the change – it’s not going away

Personal and organisational qualities Tenacious – don’t accept no / try different routes Minnow or Piranha? Patience Investment in people’s time Proactive Think creatively It’s time to do your research – informing your strategic planning

Understand the landscape – it’s a different world Who heads up the Children’s and Families Service in your LA – key starting point. Read the website regularly! The Children and Young People’s plan for your area Children’s Trusts – who leads on this ? What stakeholders groups are there? Local Government Association / Regional Development Agency / Regional Government Office Need to understand how Local Authorities work – councillor leads Get to understand you sub-regional grouping. National Comissioning Framework

A time for excitement ? Invited to join the Cheshire East 14 – 25 Learning and Achievement Executive. It’s not just ISCs - everyone’s feeling nervous and uncertain (GFE / schools / local authorities?) Now handing over to Mark Bayley from Cheshire East – David Lewis College’s host authority