Building Learning Communities, Rotherham Transform Schools
School premises offer a wide range of facilities to the local communities and in Rother Building Learning Communities Limited has been established as a not for profit company by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Transform Schools Rotherham, to promote and manage their use.
This innovative scheme manages the lettings of the school facilities to local community groups, available in the daytime, evening, weekends and school holidays. A mixed economy is promoted, where those who can least afford the lettings are still given access, and the spirit of co-operation between schools and community groups who embrace this, is a key achievement of the partnership approach.
Building Learning Communities Limited can benefit from and gives benefit to a wide community representation including Early Years and Children's Groups, Ethnic Minority Groups, Social Inclusion, Medical and Mental Health Groups.
As a not-for-profit company, Building Learning Communities Limited also helps schools and community groups to access external funds, and co-ordinates larger community project bids.
Initially the partners (Rotherham MBC, Transform Rotherham, Rotherham PCT, Rotherham Young People's Service) have provided funds, or funding in kind, for the set up costs of Building Learning Communities Limited. The business model ensures that, within two years, the income generated from lettings and grants will make the management of the company self-sufficient.