Scoping Study to better understand best practice principles in relation to providing community access to school and college grounds Phase 2

A Scoping Study to better understand best practice principles in relation to providing community access to school and college grounds, was recently undertaken with the University of Cumbria. Evidence within this study illustrates pockets of successful practice in community access to school and college grounds in the UK and internationally. The report demonstrates many benefits of community access to include more people accessing quality green spaces close to home and connecting with nature, improved outcomes for physical and mental health, community cohesion and additionally an increase in security for school grounds as people are likely to report any issues as communities feel more involved in schools. As a next step, the recommendation for a wider study is a comparative case study methodology with a sample determined through the typology of access and focused on successful models of practice in schools and colleges with the majority in the UK. The review will demonstrate national / international models, practice, learning and outcome from allowing the educational estate to be accessible to local communities and the public within and outside of school/college opening hours. The report will be maximum of 20 pages for summary and with a minimum of 12 case studies including at least half from UK schools. Project Outputs: Interim report (verbal or written) by mid October. • Submission of first draft report for comment by end of October 2024 • Submission of draft final report for comment by end of January 2025 • Submission of final report by end of February 2025 (payment will not be released until the report has been reviewed and deemed satisfactory by NE) • Dissemination activities e.g. workshop/presentation/webinar to NE/DfE/Defra early 2025.