A second peer-learning activity (PLA) took place in Frankfurt, Germany, at the end of April 2025 as part of the Collaborative Action for Inclusive Education (CAFIE) activity. Building on the first PLA in Stockholm, Sweden, in autumn 2024, this meeting continued CAFIE’s exploration of how to develop and monitor collaboration at national, regional/local and school/classroom levels.
Participants from Belgium (French community), Denmark, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden took part in the event. The programme began with a visit to a local secondary school in Hesse, where participants observed classroom practices and engaged in discussions about how cross-sectoral approaches are supporting inclusion in practice. These observations were followed by presentations and exchanges with regional and school-level leaders, offering insight into the organisational and practical realities of working across sectors.
Through structured discussions, the group explored both the barriers and enabling factors for cross-sectoral collaboration at school level. Participants also worked to clarify the meaning of cross-sectoral collaboration and inclusive education in national and local contexts. They identified key conditions for success and strategies to address common obstacles – such as communication gaps or lack of shared goals – when working across sectors. These conditions include the need for strong leadership and clear structures and accountability frameworks to support the cultural shift towards sustainable, inclusive practices.
The PLA meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress within the CAFIE activity, allowing participants to reflect on lessons learned and inform the activity’s next steps.
A third PLA is planned for autumn 2025 in Hungary. Findings from all the PLAs will feed into the final CAFIE report, which will include recommendations and guidance for effective cross-sectoral working.
The CAFIE web area provides more information on the activity.
