We provide expert advice and practical, focused solutions in all areas of education design and construction. We have worked on many successful PFI, BSF and Academy project teams as the education partnering lead in design and construction, to support the change and development of learning and teaching. We have a wealth of experience at leadership level within schools and local authorities and understand the new challenges that design and construction companies face. This service covers all aspects of design and construction including: education design briefs, bid writing, strategic and operational partnering, project management, stakeholder engagement, education design and development.

We have considerable experience and expertise in writing bids and preparing presentations for a range of purposes and audiences. We have a proven track record of being able to prepare bid documentation quickly and successfully on behalf of a number of design and construction companies across England and Wales. Each bid or presentation is unique, specific and bespoke.

We are passionate about learning and the role innovative and effective design can have on learning and teaching. We can offer a wide range of expertise and our colleagues include former Headteachers, Deputies and subject specialists who have successful ‘hands on’ experience of working in both primary and secondary schools, including Academies and the FE sector.

Our team has a proven track record of working with design and construction companies on a wide range of design and build projects. We have worked with Local Authorities, schools and academies to support effective change and bring about significant improvement through visioning work, staff engagement and workforce development. We have substantial experience of working with LAs, schools and design teams to improve learning environments through rebuilding, refurbishment and refreshment projects.

Schools and academies are complex organisations and the process of readying colleagues for change and supporting them through the process is essential in ensuring successful outcomes for any project. Our team has a depth of knowledge and experience in managing change and transition within a variety of educational settings and in ensuring a ‘soft landings’ approach. We are sensitive and responsive and understand that change can be challenging for all stakeholders. To be effective transition and change must be embedded into the culture of an organisation, through careful analysis, planning, preparation and evaluation.

The effective involvement and engagement of stakeholders is a key element in harnessing creativity and enthusiasm, building ownership and managing risk. We have extensive experience of working with stakeholders including students, staff, community groups and representatives, local politicians, local authorities and governors. We have developed approaches and processes which help to create the right environment for effective partnership and collaborative working. We are also able to provide advice on stakeholder management to support the delivery of better services.

In order to make innovative and effective design the vehicle for learning and change, we have developed tools and processes which enable us to work with stakeholders to identify key elements of the organisation’s vision. We work with staff, pupils and the community to ensure that the vision in the design brief properly reflects what the school community is seeking to achieve. These are then developed to ensure that the outcome communicates these essential elements in terms of values and vision.

We are well used to working with multi-disciplinary design teams to develop solutions which meet clients’ visions and aspirations. Communicating those requirements and aspirations is an essential part of our work in helping to ensure that all those involved in taking forward design and construction have a clear understanding of what is important in achieving a successful outcome. We also ensure that effective building designs and ICT solutions are delivered as an integrated solution.

All those involved in design and construction projects share a commitment to making the best possible provision available to young people. One of our prime roles is to ensure that there is a clear understanding between all parties. Within design teams we work to ensure that learning, education and young people remain at the centre of all discussions and the decision making process.

People resources are our greatest asset and SDI (Strength Deployment Inventory) is an effective tool in improving and strengthening the communication and the personal effectiveness of individuals and teams within organisations. c2a learning is qualified in facilitating the use of SDI, which is used by many organisations in identifying individual and team strengths and dynamics. Based around recognising our personal and professional Motivational Value System (MVS), SDI supports staff development in providing a framework and language in which we can identify and evaluate what motivates us as individuals and how our priorities change in the face of opposition or conflict. SDI is easy to use and interpret leading to effective and practical application for use in the workplace.

c2a learning can help to strengthen relationships and build strong teams to effect improvement within schools and academies. Through our Belbin accreditation, we are well placed to help you understand Belbin Theory and apply it to the workplace. Belbin Team Role Theory was developed in the 1970s by Dr Meredith Belbin and his research team at Henley Management College; the theory is used in thousands of organisations across the world today. Schools and academies can benefit from departments, working parties or whole staff taking part in Belbin training to build successful teams.

Increasing numbers of schools, organisations and individuals recognise the value of coaching and mentoring in the development of performance and in helping individuals to meet challenges head on; allowing them to build capacity in themselves and their organisation. Today's leader needs to develop skills that motivate individuals and teams to excel - and key among these skills is coaching and mentoring. These can be powerful and enabling tools for development and performance. Developing a coaching and mentoring culture can support staff retention; workforce development, conflict resolution and change management. These services offer a vehicle for analysis, reflection and action that ultimately enables the individual to achieve success. We are able to work with individuals or groups as required.