Wider Community Access

Many schools already open their facilities for the community to use, this can provide an income for the school as well as serving community need. This part of the core offer is about providing access to suitable facilities and resources and adult learning programmes. Access to facilities can be at any time that is practical, including during the school day. If there are already suitable facilities available nearby schools do not need to duplicate them.

Schools can provide access to a range of facilities including arts, sports, IT and school halls. To meet the core offer schools must first consider whether any of their facilities are suitable for community (adult) use. If they are unsuitable then the school will be deemed to have met this part of the core offer, with no need to consult on demand. There is an expectation that any further building work will take community access into consideration.

If a school has facilities which could be used they should consult with their community to determine whether there is a demand for community use. If there is no demand then the school will be deemed to have met the core offer.

Access to adult learning can be met through the school itself, by other schools within the cluster or by another local provider.

It is important that suitable service level agreements/partnership agreements are drawn up to ensure that both the school and the user group are aware of their responsibilities and that suitable lease/letting arrangements are in place. For further information contact your Extended Schools Development Manager.

Key Guidelines

• Schools should not compete with exisiting facilities but complement provision where there is a need. 
  
• If facilities are unsuitable for community use then there is no need to consult on demand or to open them up.
  
• If thorough and direct consultation with the community has shown that at present they do not need any of the school's facilities then this part of the core offer is met.
  

  Case Studies

  For case studies of schools who are currently providing services relating to Community Access, please open the following link: Schools Core Offers: Online Case Studies Resource

  Linked documents & Resources

  • http://www.tda.gov.uk/remoelling/extendedschools/coreoffer/communityaccess.aspx
    Link to TDA website.  Gives useful information about demand and need for use of facilities.