Local authority, school and partner plans for education need to be clearly reflected in the targets and indicators chosen by the local authority.

Culture and the LEP

There are a number of questions that the local authority should consider when planning for, and setting up the LEP:

• Have they a clear understanding of the cultural headlines for that authority?
• Do they understand the implications the headlines have for educational transformation and design?
• Do they fully understand, and have plans in place to ensure that community access to cultural facilities and cultural learning are in place?
• Do they fully understand the partnerships set up between the local authority, schools and the cultural sector, and how these will jointly deliver learning opportunities?

Those setting up the LEP should consider the following:

• Including a cultural champion on the LEP, drawn from the Cultural Stakeholder Group. This professional may be a full partner in the LEP, or may be engaged in an advisory capacity. If the champion is advisory, the LEP should consider whether resources for this function are needed.
• Inducting the LEP on the cultural headlines and implications in the bid and any partnership agreements.

Once the LEP is operational they should consider:

• Ensuring that they have clear routes to discuss and manage any implications of the community use plans the borough has in place.
• Clear reporting mechanisms back to the  Cultural Stakeholder Group or similar agreed body.
• Developing clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for culture and cultural learning.

Opportunities for Bidders

Bidders may want to consider what they can provide to local authorities to help them achieve their plans for culture and cultural learning.

This may mean that they consider formal partnerships with cultural organisations. They could contract these organisations to deliver cultural learning opportunities across the Local Authority, creating a more attractive and competitive package.