1. KA2 - Strategic Partnerships in School Education
Key Action 2:
Cooperation and innovation for good practices
KA2 - Strategic Partnerships in School Education
24th January 2015

2. Key Action 2 – an overview
Key Action 2: Co-operation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices is all about enabling organisations to work together in order to improve their provision for learners and share innovative practices
Under Key Action 2 organisations can apply for funding to work in partnership with organisations from other participating countries.
The projects funded under this Key Action will focus on sharing, developing and transferring innovative practices in education, training and youth provision between participating countries.
Key Action 2 covers the five fields of Higher Education, vocational education and training, schools, adult education and youth

3. KA2 Strategic Partnership – A new action building on the past
From LLP /COMENIUS
Partnerships
Multilateral Projects and networks
Transfer/development of Innovation

4. Strategic Partnerships
Support the development, transfer and/or implementation of joint initiatives promoting cooperation, peer learning and exchanges at European level

5. Strategic Partnerships
Projects are expected to include:
Development, transfer and/or implementation of innovative practices
Projects are expected to achieve:
Positive and long-lasting effects on the participating organisations

6. Expected outcomes
Projects are expected to produce the following outcomes:
Innovative approaches to addressing the needs of their target groups e.g. more attractive education and training programmes, new and improved practices to cater for the needs of disadvantaged groups, new approaches to better support competitiveness and employment
A more modern, dynamic, committed and professional environment inside the organisation e.g. integrating new methods into daily activities, professional development of staff
Increased capacity and professionalism to work at EU/international level e.g. reinforced cooperation with partners from other countries, increased quality in the implementation, monitoring and follow-up of European projects

7. Small Projects – e.g. sharing best practice on a particular topic
By addressing policy objectives, challenges and needs of a specific field (i.e. higher education, vocational education and training (VET), school ed, adult ed or youth)
By promoting cross-sectoral cooperation i.e. relevant to more than one field (e.g. higher education + VET, school education + youth)
Small Projects – e.g. sharing best practice on a particular topic
Large Projects – e.g developing and testing tools or curricula for a specific target group
Types of Projects
Field Specific
Cross-Sectoral
Small
large

8. Strategic Partnerships – School Education and Cross Sectoral Activities and Outputs
Curricula, courses, joint study programmes
Learning, teaching, training and the development of materials and methods
Project-based collaboration, peer learning, workshops, research and analysis
Capacity building and networking
Information, guidance, coaching and counselling activities
Improvement of qualifications frameworks, credit transfer, quality assurance
Training, teaching and learning activities for HE, VET, school education, adult education and/or youth.

9. School Education and Cross Sectoral Project Examples
Consortium of schools and local creative industries create courses to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship among pupils.
Partnership between schools and guidance professionals to produce new materials for career planning for pupils throughout second level schooling
Partnerships between two special needs schools to share best and innovative practice in delivering training to staff.

10. What type of organisations can participate?
Eligibility Criteria
What type of organisations can participate?
In general the following organisations can take part in KA2:
a higher education institution
a school/institute/educational centre (at any level, from pre-school to upper secondary education, and including vocational education and adult education)
a non-profit organisation, association, NGO
a public, private small medium or large enterprise (including social enterprises)
a public body at local, regional or national level
a social partner or other representative of working life, including chambers of commerce, craft/professional associations and trade unions
a research institute/ a foundation
a body providing professional counselling and information services
a body validating knowledge, skills and competences acquired through the validation of non-formal and informal learning
See p.110 of Programme Guide for further examples
Please note that applicants and participants must be registered companies. Sole traders cannot apply

11. Eligibility Criteria
Number and profile of organisations for KA2 School Education partnerships
School to School partnerships include schools from minimum two Programme countries
Partnerships between regional school authorities include organisations from minimum two Programme countries – a regional authority, a school plus another eligible organisation in each country
Otherwise applications must include at least 3 organisations from 3 different Programme Countries
All participating organisations must be identified at the time of applying for a grant.
All participants (includes all project partners) must register with the Participant Portal (see page 232 of the Erasmus+ Programme Guide)

12. Who can apply/participate?
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply/participate?
Any organisation from a Programme Country can apply
Organisations from Partner Countries anywhere in the world can take part as project partners (not as applicants) and only if they add value to the project
Note: If the partner country is deemed not relevant then the entire application is failed.

13. Programme Countries
Please note that Switzerland is no longer a Programme Country but can take part as a Partner country

14. Eligibility Criteria Duration: 2 to 3 Years
Where to Apply: Online To the National Agency of the country in which the Coordinator-applicant organisation is established.
When to Apply: By 11 a.m. Irish time on 31 March 2015

15. 2015 Priorities Horizontal Priorities are:
Projects must address either a Horizontal Priority or a SE specific priority
Horizontal Priorities are:
Developing basic and transversal skills
Developing new approaches to strengthen the education and training paths of prospective and practicing educators/youth workers
Enhancing Digital integration in learning, teaching, training and youth work at various levels
Contributing to the development of a European Area of Skills and Qualifications
Supporting innovative projects aimed to reduce disparities in outcomes affecting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds/with fewer opportunities – including learners with disabilities

16. 2015 Priorities contd. SE Priorities are:
Strengthening the profile of the teaching profession
Addressing low achievement in basic skills -literacy, numeracy
Tackling early school leaving
Enhancing the quality of early childhood education and care
Promoting the development of skills and competences of teachers

17. KA2 Strategic Partnerships Structuring an Application

18. Duration Duration can be between 24 and 36 months
We recommend that you choose either a 24 month or 36 month duration
The duration selected must agree with the Activities of the project and the anticipated results of the project

19. Activities & Budget
Activities are directly related to the project grant
1 Automatic Activity (based on duration):
Project management & Implementation
4 Conditional Activities:
Transnational Project meetings
Intellectual Outputs
Multiplier Events
Transnational Training, Teaching & Learning Activities
3 Conditional Supports:
Exceptional Costs; Special Needs Support; Linguistic Support

20. Project Management & Implementation
Concerns management of the project by the partners
General project management
Liaising with partners, including partner meetings
Developing approaches
Local work on project
Producing reports, tools etc.
Concerns Dissemination
Meeting with stakeholders
Preparation & promotion of dissemination materials
Online dissemination (e.g. project website)
Promotional meetings (local and/or international)

21. Transnational Project Meetings
Transnational Project Meetings are an activity
Each meeting is hosted by a partner
Important: the number and location of each partner meeting must be decided upon prior to completion of application form
Need for each meeting should be made clear in the application
It is highly expected that SPs will have Transnational Project Meetings

22. Intellectual Outputs Key outputs of SPs
Tangible deliverables of the project
Includes sub-activities related to the realisation of those key outputs
Requires specific allocation of staff time

23. Intellectual Outputs Examples
Curriculum and course content
Pilot test report
Report for policy makers on student retention schemes
Evaluation report
Online Learning Platform

24. Intellectual Outputs Example
Output 1: CPD Materials for Teachers
Related Sub-Activities:
O1-A1: Review of CPD resources in partner organisations
O1-A2: Development of CPD materials
01-A3: Validation: test and validate CPD materials in different settings with involvement of SE stakeholders and teachers

25. Ownership of Intellectual Outputs
Pages 12 & 248 of 2015 Erasmus+ Programme Guide
An Open Licence must be associated with each resource produced
Beneficiaries are copyright holders of materials produced
Requirement for beneficiaries to make resources produced by the project freely accessible through open licences

26. Multiplier Events
Must be directly related to project Intellectual Outputs
A multiplier event is used to promote the project outputs to the relevant target group and stakeholders
Hosted by a project partner
Multiplier events should make an active contribution to the aims of the project
No Intellectual Output = No Multiplier Event

27. Multiplier Event Examples
CPD Workshops – Hands-on experience for SE providers and disseminating project outcomes
Final Conference – Launch of project outcomes/outputs to stakeholders, policy makers etc.
Thematic Seminar – On-the-job training seminar for SMEs focussing on project outcomes
Round-table Discussion Forum – Stakeholder discussion on topics related to project

28. Transnational Training, Teaching and Learning Activities
Training, Teaching and Learning Activities (TTLs) are opportunities for individual mobilities within an SP and must evidently add value to the achievement of the project’s aims
5 types of TTL appropriate for SE SP applications:
Blended mobility of learners
Short-term exchanges of groups of pupils
Long term study mobility of pupils
Short-term joint staff training events
Long-term teaching or training assignments

29. Blended Mobility of Learners
Activities combining short periods of physical mobility (Between 5 and 60 days) with virtual mobility to prolong learning outcomes of physical mobility
Virtual mobility: video-conferencing, message forums, social media, live streaming, collaborative workspaces.
Can be used to prepare, support and follow up on physical mobility.
Participants must be learners of the partners

30. Short term exchanges of groups of pupils
5 days to 2 months excluding travel days
Activities on the exchange visit must be relevant to the project objectives and contribute to the project outcomes

31. Long term study mobility of pupils
2- 12 months
Activities in the long term mobility must contribute to the achievement of the overall project objectives

32. Short-Term Joint Staff Training Events
Duration of 5 to 60 days (per participant)
Involves small groups of staff from different partners
Training events should be linked to the aims and scope of the project
Examples:
Study visits (with on-site visits)
Discussion workshops
Training courses

33. Long-term Teaching or Training Assignments
Duration of 2 – 12 months
Strengthen cooperation between SP partners
Staff develop knowledge of EU education & training systems; share & acquire professional competences, methods and practices
Can be teaching or other professional activities in a partner institution
Fair, transparent and open selection process
Participant involved in development of activity
Ensure internal recognition of mobility
Partners work together on developing mobility agreements

34. TTL Considerations
All TTLs must be evidently relevant & appropriate to the aims of the project
Destination of activities and duration must be planned in advance of application
The content of the TTLs must be evident in the application
For Staff TTLs the level & role of the participant should be stated in the application
The results of the TTLs should be integrated into the project and the organisation

35. Examples of TTLs Short-term: Blended Mobility: Long-term:
Train-the-Trainers course for SE staff to lead training sessions with target group
Study visit to partner organisation to study and analyse ICT strategies of the partner
Blended Mobility:
Learners of partner organisations participate in a 7 day training course related to the project, supported by online briefing before departure and online test on return
Long-term:
Vice-principal of school spends 2 months working in a partner school on developing new management skills and approaches

36. Partner Country Involvement in Activities
Partner Countries can participate in:
Project Management & Implementation
Intellectual Outputs
Transnational project meetings
Multiplier Events
Transnational Training, Teaching Learning Activity
ONLY Short-term Joint Staff Training Events

37. KA2 Strategic Partnerships Funding Principles

38. Funding Principles - Co-financing
All Erasmus+ projects are expected to be co-financed:
Erasmus+ grant will not cover all costs
The grant is intended to be a contribution towards the costs of project implementation and mobility activities
grant request in the application ≠ total project cost
Erasmus+ grant:
Should be used to deliver projects
Cannot fund the running of an organisation

39. Funding Principles - Co-financing
Partner 1 Grant & Own Funding
Partner 2 Grant & Own Funding
BUDGET
GRANT
Partner 3 Grant & Own Funding
Partner 4 Grant & Own Funding

40. Funding Principles Maximum grant of 150,000 per year
Therefore a three year project will have a maximum grant of 450,000
A two year project will have a maximum grant of 300,000
Grants are activity-driven
Therefore applicants should focus on the aims and objectives of the project rather than the potential grant size
Applicant managed funding - The Coordinator organisation applies to manage the grant on behalf of the other partners except in the case of school-to-school partnerships

41. Summary of budget headings
Project Management and
Implementation
OBLIGATORY
Transnational Project Meetings
Intellectual Outputs
Multiplier Events
CONDITIONAL
Transnational Training, Teaching, Learning Activities
Special Needs
Exceptional costs (subcontracting)

42. Grant Funding - Examples
Small Scale project - Partners meet to discuss best practice (2 year project):
Project management and implementation grant
Transnational Project Meetings

43. Grant Funding - Examples
Large Scale project - Consortium of Partners will develop an online learning course for SMEs in the green tourism industry (2 year). Learning activities for learners including those with special needs will be included. The course will be widely disseminated via national and transnational events.
Project management and implementation grant
Transnational Project Meetings
Multiplier Events
Special Needs
Exceptional Costs
Training/Teaching/ Learning Activities

44. Unit Contributions vs Actual Costs
Project Management and Implementation
Transnational Project Meetings
Intellectual Outputs
Multiplier Events
Transnational Training, Teaching and Learning Activities
Travel
Subsistence (Individual Support)
Linguistic Support
Actual Costs:
Special Needs Support
Exceptional Costs
Please consult Erasmus+ Programme Guide for applicable rates – p

45. Funding Principles - Unit Contributions
On-line distance calculator must be used to establish the applicable distance band (
Travel Distance Between:
Amount per participant for travel and subsistence costs
100 – 1999 km
€575
≥ 2000 km
€760

46. Funding Principles – Actual Costs
Special Needs Support
Costs directly relating to project participants with a disability or other specific needs for which additional costs will be incurred
Person with specific needs – participant whose individual physical, mental or health related situation is such that his/her participation in the project would not be possible without extra financial support
The use of Special Needs support applies to participants with special needs in any of the approved Project Activities

47. Funding Priniciples – Actual Costs
Special Needs Support
Grant calculated on an actual cost basis
Will be reimbursed (if approved) at 100%
Eligibility of the cost assessed on a case-by-case basis
any particular needs and extra costs clearly described and justified in the proposal

48. Organisational and Financial Capacity
Organisational Capacity
Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate capacity to:
Successfully deliver Erasmus+ projects
Administer them in accordance with the grant agreement and Erasmus+ Programme Guide
The assesment of organisational capacity will consider:
The management of the organisation (e.g. available resources)
Its past history in delivering European Commission funded projects
The number of staff involved in managing the project
Access to support networks
The results of previous monitoring or audits by the NA

49. Organisational and Financial Capacity
Financial Capacity – the applicant has stable and sufficient sources of funding to maintain its activity throughout project duration and to participate in its funding
Excluded from a formal financial capacity checks are:
Public bodies
International organisations
Organisations applying for for less than €60,000
Remaining organisations must provide:
Applicant’s profit and loss account
Balance sheet for the last financial year for which accounts were closed)

50. KA2 Strategic Partnerships Award Criteria

51. Award Criteria Award Criteria: Relevance of the project (30 points)
Quality of the project design and implementation (20 points)
Quality of the project team and the cooperation agreements (20 points)
Impact and dissemination (30 points)
Proposals must score over 50% of the points in each criteria and at least 60 points overall to be considered for funding.
Proportionality: In order to ensure a fair assessment of all applications, experts shall take due account of the different nature and scope of projects proposed, considering the experience of the participating organisations. The quality of each application shall thus be assessed for all award criteria considering this proportionality principle.
However all Strategic Partnerships will be evaluated using the same criteria and points system.

52. Award Criteria - Relevance
1) Relevance of the Project to:
the objectives and the priorities of the Action
(Projects must address either:
At least one horizontal priority or
At least one specific Priority relevant to the field of education, training and youth that is most impacted. See p of Programme Guide)
The extent to which:
the proposal is based on a genuine and adequate needs analysis
the objectives are clearly defined, realistic and address issues relevant to the participating organisations and target groups
the proposal is suitable of realising synergies between different fields of education, training and youth
the proposal is innovative and/or complementary to other initiatives and projects already carried out by the participating organisations
the proposal brings added value at EU level through results that would not be attained by activities carried out in a single country

53. Award Criteria – Quality of the project design and implementation
The clarity, completeness and quality of the work programme, including appropriate phases for preparation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and dissemination
The consistency between project objectives and activities proposed
The quality and feasibility of the methodology proposed
The existence and relevance of quality control measures to ensure that the project implementation is of high quality, completed in time and on budget
The extent to which the project is cost-effective and allocates appropriate resources to each activity
If the project plans training, teaching or learning activities:
The extent to which these activities are appropriate to the project's aims and involve the appropriate number of participants
The quality of arrangements for the recognition and validation of participants' learning outcomes, in line with European transparency

54. Award Criteria – Quality of the project team and the cooperation arrangements
The extent to which:
the project involves an appropriate mix of complementary participating organisations with the necessary profile, experience and expertise to successfully deliver all aspects of the project
the distribution of responsibilities and tasks demonstrates the commitment and active contribution of all participating organisations
if relevant for the project type, the project involves participation of organisations from different fields of education, training, youth and other socio-economic sectors
the project involves newcomers to the Action
The existence of effective mechanisms for coordination and communication between the participating organisations, as well as with other relevant stakeholders
If applicable, the extent to which the involvement of a participating organisation from a Partner Country brings an essential added value to the project (if this condition is not fulfilled the project will not be considered for selection)

55. Award Criteria – Impact and Dissemination
The quality of measures for evaluating the outcomes of the project
The potential impact of the project:
- on participants and participating organisations, during and after the project lifetime
- outside the organisations and individuals directly participating in the project, at local, regional, national and/or European levels
The quality of the dissemination plan: the appropriateness and quality of measures aimed at sharing the outcomes of the project within and outside the participating organisations
If relevant, the extent to which the proposal describes how the materials, documents and media produced will be made freely available and promoted through open licences, and does not contain disproportionate limitations
The quality of the plans for ensuring the sustainability of the project: its capacity to continue having an impact and producing results after the EU grant has been used up

56. Selection Coordinator and applicants register on Participant Portal
Application by the coordinator
Quality assessment by the coordinator NA
Validation of organisations
Check for double funding
Selection of applications by the coordinator NA
Selection
Grant agreement signed only between the coordinator NA and coordinator of the partnership(except S2S)
The coordinator NA transfers the grant for the whole partnership to the coordinating institution or school
Reporting by the coordinating organisation only/ school

57. Overview of KA2 2014 Selection Round in Ireland: Field of School Education
School to School Projects
Coordinator applications submitted: 8
Coordinator applications approved: 5 (3 rejected due to lack of quality)
‘Daughter’ schools approved during European Selection: 18
Total School to School Projects funded: 23
Strategic Partnerships involving organisations other than schools
2 submitted – both rejected (due to lack of quality and technical ineligibility)
Cross-Sectoral Strategic Partnerships addressing more than one Field
2 submitted
1 approved (focus on career planning and guidance)
1 rejected due to lack of quality

58. Important Links/Documents
Erasmus+ Website
Erasmus + Programme Guide 2015 (Version 3) : There is one Programme Guide for all fields and Actions
Model e-forms (Application forms)/Template for Timetable of Activities

59. Summaryn At least 3 organisations from 3 different Programme Countries
Except for :
School to School partnerships – min 2 Programme Countries
Partnerships between Regional Education authorities – min 2 Programme Countries
All participating organisations must be identified at the time of applying for a grant.
Any organisation from a Programme Country can apply
Applicants indicate the field of education, training and youth that is the most relevant for their project
Duration: 2 to 3 Years
Where to Apply: Online to the National Agency of the country in which the applicant organisation is established.
When to Apply: By 11 a.m. Irish time on 31 March 2015

60. Application Workshops
Assistance
Hands on technical workshops to help you complete your Application form:
Wednesday 25th February
Second date TBD (if required)

61. Strategic Partnerships School Education Léargas
Contact
Action
Agency
Contact Point
Key Action 2
Strategic Partnerships
School Education
Léargas
Eva Creely