We are careful to avoid duplication and we pool our efforts as much as possible. The strategic plans described here concentrate on our department, simply because the document would become too long if we tried to include details of plans which are important to us but in which others take the lead. We do not, for example, give details of the work of the Property, Business and Regulatory Service which designs and maintains school buildings, or the Social Services Department , with whom we work closely on many matters such as special needs, early years and child protection. Most of our responsibilities are for children and much of this document is about schools. Achieving the highest standards from the earliest age will be the best way to build good foundations for lifelong learning , helping us with our work in support of adults.
Partnership is fundamental to our way of working.
We work in partnership with those we serve and those whose responsibilities complement ours. We participate in national debates and we are willing to exchange ideas. This document gives a summary of our plans and explains our way of working. We will be pleased to give you further information. We would welcome your comments too.