Logistical Coordination
Focus
Complete an investigation of other LCO and cluster models.
Explanation
It should be recognised that many LCOs are part of a national network that actively collaborate across LCOs as well as within their own LCO. As such, consulting with other LCOs is important to assist with your own planning. But, you should also be aware of your potential role in the wider national network.
Identify both the advantages and potential pitfalls of different LCO models and from this analysis develop a model that best meets the specific needs of your group. A collaborative approach actively involving input from all schools and key stakeholders is critical for success. Planning needs to include key strengths such as resources and personnel, and risk management issues such as ‘succession’ to protect the cluster against the loss of key personnel.
It is important to consider aspects such as commonality of interest and goals, unique characteristics and problems of the schools, and size of the LCO.
Ideally any LCO will have a clear understanding of the advantages and potential pitfalls of its own model. This can be very helpful for future planning and risk management.
Action
- Consult with key members of other LCO.
- Key personnel visits to a number of active, experienced LCO schools.
- Consult with relevant national bodies and institutions already working with clusters such as: MOE, VLN Community, ICTPD team.
- Explore the possibility of buddying with an experienced LCO as a ‘satellite’ as your own LCO grows and develops its expertise.
- Investigate strategic and financial planning in existing LCO.
