This policy applies to all members of the school community and relates to the following legislation:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Race Relations Act 1976

• Sex Discrimination Act 1985

• Education Act 1986

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999

• Equality Act 2010

• School Premises (England) Regulations 2012

We acknowledge section 42 of the Education Act 1986 that the use of the school premises at all times other than during the school day is under the control of the Governing Body of this school.

We recognise the school premises are a valuable resource within the community and therefore we are very keen that they are used for the benefit of the local community. We realise that by letting the school premises we are promoting the school not only locally but in the wider community and also we are generating an income for the school.

We will let the school premises to groups or individuals in the community for:

• educational use that will benefit the school;

• social or community use;

• commercial or private use

We will not let to any group that promotes or supports racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia or any other type of discriminatory behaviour or groups associated with radicalism and extremism or those whose presence would otherwise be incompatible with the school’s ethos and policies.

Also, before letting the school premises or parts of the school we will have regard to the likelihood of any damage being caused to the premises or any nuisance that may arise as a result of accepting the booking.

We recognise our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and will take all reasonably practicable steps to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions (on the school premises and during school-sponsored activities), equipment and systems of work for all our pupils, school personnel and visitors to the school. 

We wish to work closely with the School Council and to hear their views and opinions as we acknowledge and support Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that children should be encouraged to form and to express their views.

We as a school community have a commitment to promote equality. Therefore, an equality impact assessment has been undertaken and we believe this policy is in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Aims

• To ensure the school premises are used for the benefit of the local community.

• To further integrate the school into the local community in order to pursue the extended schools’ agenda.

• To promote the school in the wider community.

• To raise money in order to develop school projects and activities.

• To protect children from the risk of radicalisation and extremism.

• To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation connected to this policy.

• To work with other schools and the local authority to share good practice in order to improve this policy.

Role of the Governing Body

• delegated responsibility of letting the school premises to the Sites and Buildings  subcommittee and the Headteacher;

• delegated powers and responsibilities to the Headteacher to ensure all school personnel and visitors to the school are aware of and comply with this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring that the school complies with all equalities legislation;

• nominated a designated Equalities governor to ensure that appropriate action will be taken to deal with all prejudice related incidents or incidents which are a breach of this policy; 

• responsibility for ensuring funding is in place to support this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring this policy and all policies are maintained and updated regularly;

• responsibility for ensuring all policies are made available to parents;

• the responsibility of involving the School Council in the development, approval, implementation and review of this policy;

• nominated a link governor to visit the school regularly, to liaise with the Headteacher and to report back to the Governing Body;

• responsibility for the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this policy

Role of the Headteacher

The Headteacher will:

• consider all applications for lettings before approval;

• set the hire charge for each category of letting;

• seek the approval of the site manager on applications for lettings;

• ensure all school personnel, pupils and parents are aware of and comply with this policy;

• provide leadership and vision in respect of equality;

• provide guidance, support and training to all staff;

• monitor the effectiveness of this policy;

Process

• Any person or organisation wishing to use the school premises must complete a lettings form and agree to abide by the conditions of hire.

• The details of the application are checked and if approved the applicant will be sent:

• a letter of confirmation stating terms and conditions;

Conditions of Hiring the School Premises

This policy will be reviewed when necessary.