Equity in Education: Responding to Context

The research looked at efforts by those in social care, health, education and the police to work in partnership. It found initiatives such as local area agreements, strategic partnerships and integrated children's services had the potential to improve outcomes for children.

However, in three deprived areas analysed, good relationships often come "to an abrupt end when it compromises organisations' ability to achieve targets". Too often, senior managers were more concerned with their department's ability to meet targets than partnership working. In many cases staff failed to show up for joint meetings and lines of communication broke down.

Report co-author Professor Alan Dyson said: "Ministers must stop trying to drive reforms through targets, structures and new initiatives." The target culture creates disharmony between partners and "suspicion and hostility", he added.