School grounds are part of our open space resource and as such they can contribute wildlife, landscape, recreational and play value. The grounds can offer community value in other ways, including providing recycling facilities, youth club areas or local produce areas.
Community arts programmes involving ‘artists in residence’ could be used to work with children and young people in after-school clubs, to create installations and pieces of art that engage children’s imaginations, reflect the context of the site, improve the aesthetics of the site and provide a tangible sense of achievement for those involved.
Local sports clubs provide opportunities for community partnerships. These can be supported by school sports coordinators who have, as a key work area, building and supporting school-club links and developing out-of-hours opportunities. Local sports clubs, after-school clubs and summer play schemes may be able to part-fund improvements as well as contribute to the structured management and use of these facilities through organised coaching sessions and other supervision.
