NSEAD Regional Network Groups
General information
What do regional network groups provide?
Regional network groups provide a shared belief in the cultural and economic value of art, craft and design education.
They provide skills sharing sessions, talks and seminars, and links to local and regional agencies, organisations,
artists and makers, and cultural sector venues. They provide a chance to get to know other teachers of art, craft and
design in your area, share good practice and enjoy a combination of social and professional contact.
Every regional network group is different, some focus on primary or secondary phases, some combine both, or have a focus
on post-16 learning, or early years. Many groups meet in local schools, or in museums and galleries who provide an
expertise and focus on local collections and exhibitions. Increasing opportunities on the internet and within the context
of social networking provide more accessible ways of making and maintaining contact, a regional network group can
communicate as much as it likes collectively on Twitter, and NSEAD Facebook, whilst the e-update and website will
sign-post and provide links for teachers and educators across the UK.
How will NSEAD support your group?
Through NSEAD, teachers in a regional network group have a stronger voice, capacity and authority to challenge and
influence policy and practice at the highest national and international levels. NSEAD is committed to listening and
taking your concerns and ideas forward.
NSEAD is maintaining and expanding this area of the website, enabling existing groups to showcase their activities
and share content and format. New members, or members moving into a new area will be able to locate their nearest group,
or be encouraged to start a new one.
Through e-updates and the website NSEAD will market the meetings of regional network groups to members throughout
the UK. Simply send us a date, a place, a start and finish time and your contact details and we will do the rest.
NSEAD will be happy to recommend speakers, if appropriate.
Why do we need regional network groups?
With increased mobility, teachers of art, craft and design are taking up posts in different parts of the country,
working in a variety of roles in schools, colleges, organisations and other settings. A network fits in with changing
life styles, acting as both a social and professional hub. An established regional network group provides an immediate
hook up with other like minded souls in a real social and cultural setting, and showcases local opportunities in
universities, the cultural sector and other schools and education settings. Do you want to meet up with other teachers
of art, craft and design in your area? This is the opportunity!
Setting up and running a regional network group
Setting up a regional network group takes time, and commitment, but is very worthwhile, putting you at the centre
of art, craft and design education in your region.
The majority of existing regional network groups run twilight sessions for a self-selecting audience of pro-active
teachers. Content, or agendas are important to include a warm welcome and a sense of ‘self’ and ‘well being’ and
a recognition of the adult learning cycle. The content is not just up to you. Look at what other network groups do,
and ask your teachers how they see the group developing.
If you would like to set up a regional network group the following guide lines will help. There is no right or wrong
way, let us know what works for you. You may want to encourage a colleague to help.
A venue is a good start. Many regional network groups meet in schools, teachers taking it in turns to host a meeting
giving everyone the opportunity of to see student work, new facilities and different ways of working. If you are
thinking of using your own school then a discussion with your head teacher or head of department is essential. Your
local museum or gallery might be keen to host a meeting, giving them the benefit of introducing their resources to
local teachers. Many museums and galleries have a dedicated education room. Contact your local museums and galleries
and see what might be available, mindful that there may be a cost implication and you will need to book in advance.
Dates and timing. Two hour twilight sessions during the week are popular, but some groups meet on a Saturday. The
majority of groups meet once a term. You may want to combine a meeting with an event at school, or the private view
or a particular exhibition at a gallery.
Refreshments will be essential. Ask for a contribution for tea, coffee, milk and biscuits.
Once you have a date, place and time, NSEAD can help market your event. Please allow a half a terms notice and we can
market your event to our members via our website and e-update. You need to include your email or a phone number so that
teachers can contact you if they are coming or need more information. NSEAD can also support your group through social
networking. Please note NSEAD cannot act as a booking agent.