Learning Partnership Meeting 19th Jan 2012

3 key points:

1. This was something of an inaugural meeting of a new group of particpants; the aim, therefore, was to clarfy roles and membership, and agree the purpose and priorities for the partnership.
2. The key points emerging were: making a difference for every leaner is the purpose; the existing groups (at primary, secondary and adult level) are working well; should this partnership, therefore, be a means of disseminating information, good practice, etc. between all groups; or should be this be a decision-making body, trying to strategically direct operations within the City?
3. As a CVSF rep, I felt somewhat tangential to the main body of participants, who were very solidly rooted in the statutory education system. Not that I felt unwelcome, quite the opposite, but I was even less sure than usual how I was meant to play a productive role in representing the work & interests of the CVSF member organisations in this forum. A number of other participants at the partnership suggested that we always have to remember that learning only takes place within the wider context of family and community life, which is both helpful and true. Therefore, obviously, the work undertaken by CVSF members, and the experience and knowledge gathered by them, is all relevant to the aims of the partnership. I just need to work out how to effectively link the two.