Planning Across The System

Current Realities In School Teams/Coordinator Cluster Groups Regional Seminars TPN

Target Group/Focus of the TPN? Those teachers within a school(s) with a specific interest in School Planning Cross sectoral representation Focus on support at a local level utilising the power of networking

Sites of Support SDPI Head Office, Website Regional Coordinator(s) Facilitators Diploma Graduates Trustee Education Offices VEC’s C&C Schools Education Centres

The Education Centre Network An Education Centre is 'a place in which services are provided for schools, teachers, parents, boards and other relevant persons which support them in carrying out their functions in respect of the provision of education which is recognised for that purpose by the Minister…' (Education Act 1998)

Understanding how the system works A Budget to support local provision The budget is developed for each calendar year in October/November of the preceding year All local courses are subject to the TES regulations regarding attendance, lecture fees, T&S, catering, material costs etc. Possibility that some elements of the planned work may not have taken place…… therefore finance maybe available

What supports could you investigate from your local Centre? Administrative Support Financial Support Resource Area Use of IT Infrastructure

Administrative Support This would have to be negotiated Maintenance of a database Issuing of notices of meetings Production/maintenance of Attendance Records Processing of T&S Accounting Support

Financial Support Inclusion of activities in the Education Centre’s annual plan, invitation to guest speakers This to supplement the activities agreed by the national Executive of the TPN? Financial Management (ref the guidelines on TPN structure for branches)

Resource Area Seek the development of a specific resource/library section for SDP International journals and publications on planning Depository for all SDPI materials produced nationally

Use of IT Infrastructure Use of centre’s website to promote activities Discuss the possibility of a restricted section for TPN members, exchange area, etc Some Centres use a contacts database that can send reminders of people re by text/

The Benefits Enticement for local participation is greater, i.e. the burden is lessened on the organisers Keeps the TPN to the fore in the life of the Centre Allows for greater communication with the local Centre personnel

Steps to Take Seek a meeting with the local Director…. Outline your wish for collaboration and for support Determine your priorities in terms of the support available Establish a firm time table and maintain communication either in person, by phone or .

Education Centre Contact Details

Plenary Any questions? Mo bhuíochas