Building Learning Communities Program
School premises offer a wide range of facilities to local communities. In Rotherham, UK, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Balfour Beatty established Building Learning Communities, a not-for-profit company, to promote and manage facility use.
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This innovative program manages the renting of school facilities to local community groups. The facilities are available in the daytime, in the evening, on weekends and on school holidays. A mixed economy is promoted, where those who can least afford the reservation fee are still given access. The spirit of cooperation between schools and community groups is a key achievement of the partnership approach. |
Building Learning Communities benefits a wide range of community groups, including children's groups, ethnic minority groups, social inclusion groups, medical groups and mental health groups.
As a not-for-profit company, Building Learning Communities also helps schools and community groups to raise external funds and coordinates larger community project bids.
The partners (Rotherham MBC, Transform Rotherham, Rotherham PCT, Rotherham Young People's Service) have provided funds, or funding in kind, for the initial costs of Building Learning Communities. The business model ensures that, within two years, the income generated from rent and grants will make the company self-sufficient.
Soccer Action
As part of the Stoke Schools project, a Balfour Beatty Capital program targets disengaged young people and encourages them to work as a team and participate in purposeful out-of-school activities. Read more >
Arts for Health
Balfour Beatty Capital's first Arts for Health program provides an opportunity for all University Hospital of North Durham employees, patients and visitors to spend time together, to engage in arts activities and to generate a discussion amongst health professionals about the benefits of arts in the healthcare setting. Read more >