Each UK cluster of schools that participates in Connecting Classrooms needs to have:

			Support from the local authority/federation of schools - the application form must be signed by the Director of Children's Services/Head of a federation of schools (or equivalent, or nominee) to confirm this support.
			A named partnership co-ordinator - to complete the application and co-ordinate all the UK schools in the partnership. This is usually an official in the local authority/federation of schools, or other co-ordinating body.
			Connecting Classrooms co-ordinators - a named person from each school to manage the project in their school.

These roles are described in more detail below.

Local authority / federation of schools

Each cluster of schools in the UK must be supported by a local authority or federation of schools – and confirmation of this support is requested on the application form. By supporting schools involved in Connecting Classrooms, the local authority, or federation of schools, is committing to:

			Developing a strategic area link, initiated and supported by the British Council, with the equivalent body in the partner country – usually a district education office or ministry of education
			Recognising that international partnerships contribute to the fulfilment of the local Children’s Plan and/or other strategic priorities
			Supporting their schools in their work towards the Intermediate/Full DCSF International School Award – and, where possible, encouraging more schools in the local authority to sign up
			Acting as a point of contact for the equivalent body in the partner country, and for the British Council
			Attending meetings and events - such as contact seminars and partnership meetings.

Co-ordinating body / partnership co-ordinator

Each cluster of UK schools must also be co-ordinated by a partnership co-ordinator. Ideally, this person is based in the supporting local authority or federation of schools. However, if the local authority/federation of schools is unable to fulfil this role, the partnership co-ordinator can be a representative of a family of schools, the local Youth Sport Trust, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, or a representative from another suitable local organisation. (Please note that if the co-ordinating body is not the local authority/federation of schools, the partnership co-ordinator will still need to get support and approval from the relevant local authority/federation of schools in order to complete the application.)

The partnership co-ordinator will be expected to:

			Co-ordinate the involvement of the UK side of the partnership – including bringing together a group of schools that wish to participate in the programme, and co-ordinating the application
			Manage any grant funding from Connecting Classrooms for the co-ordinating body and participating schools
			Arrange briefings and meetings with schools
			Liaise with partnership co-ordinators in the other countries in the partnership
			Be the main point of contact for the British Council
			Be responsible for evaluating the partnership and submitting an annual financial and narrative report
			Ensure that the local authority/federation of schools is kept informed and up-to-date regarding the partnership (if the local authority/federation of schools is not also the co-ordinating body).

In return, the partnership co-ordinator can benefit from the professional development opportunities available through Connecting Classrooms, including the International Co-ordinators Course, and participating in facilitated events such as the contact seminar. In some cases, the partnership co-ordinator can also work towards the British Council International Leader Award.

For more information about contacts in local authorities/federations of schools and other organisations that can co-ordinate Connecting Classrooms partnerships, visit the DCSF Global Gateway, or contact the Global Gateway team.

Connecting Classrooms co-ordinators

Each school in a UK cluster must also identify a Connecting Classrooms co-ordinator, who will be expected to:

			Register their school for the Foundation level DCSF International School Award (as a minimum) before the application to Connecting Classrooms is submitted
			Co-ordinate the Connecting Classrooms project in their school, including helping the school to work towards the Intermediate and/or Full level of the DCSF International School Award
			Build a team to manage and deliver the project within the school
			Manage any grant funding that is allocated to their school as a portion of the total grant provided to the cluster
			Attend meetings organised by the Partnership Co-ordinator from the co-ordinating body
			Embed the project activities in school life
			Liaise with Connecting Classrooms co-ordinators in the other schools in the cluster and in the international partner schools to plan, deliver and evaluate projects.

Connecting Classrooms co-ordinators and other teachers and school leaders in each school will also benefit from the professional development opportunities offered by the programe.