In the heart of every community, schools stand as beacons of learning, growth, and connection. Beyond the bell rings and the bustling corridors, schools hold the potential to become thriving hubs that extend their warmth and resources to the wider community.

At Sharesy, we are passionate about supporting local communities to grow and thrive, and we believe that the effective utilisation of school spaces is a key step toward this goal.

Here is a helpful, and informative guide, packed with 10 top tips for school leaders on letting their spaces effectively.

1. Understand Your Space

Begin by conducting a comprehensive audit of your available spaces. Understanding the dimensions, utilities, and potential of each room or school hall is crucial. This knowledge allows you to match spaces with the needs of various community groups accurately.

2. Define Your Objectives

What are your goals in letting out school spaces? Whether it's to generate additional funds, engage with the community, or support local businesses and groups, having clear objectives will guide your decisions and strategies.

3. Optimise for Flexibility

Consider how spaces can be adapted or reconfigured to suit a range of activities. Flexible spaces are more attractive to a wider audience, from parents and families to businesses and church communities.

4. Implement an Easy Booking System

Adopt an intuitive, hassle-free booking system. A platform like Sharesy not only simplifies the booking process but also provides visibility and accessibility for your spaces, making it easier for the community to connect with you.

5. Set Clear Terms & Conditions

Establish and communicate clear terms and conditions for space usage. This includes access times, permissible activities, and any restrictions. Clear guidelines ensure that the process runs smoothly for both the school and the renters.

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6. Promote Your Spaces

Don’t be shy about letting the community know what you have to offer. Utilise newsletters, your parent teacher association, social media, and community bulletin boards to spread the word. Highlighting unique features can attract more interest.

7. Foster Partnerships

Build relationships with local businesses, community groups, and other schools. Partnerships can lead to regular bookings and even collaborative events that benefit the wider community.

8. Highlight your Accessibility

Make sure to highlight the accessibility of your spaces to everyone. Ensure that everyone can easily access and navigate your spaces. Make it a priority to highlight this inclusivity.

9. Gather Feedback

Actively seek feedback from those who use your spaces. This can provide valuable insights into how your spaces are used and what improvements can be made to better serve the community.

10. Review and Adapt

The needs of your community will evolve over time, so it’s important to regularly review your strategy and offerings. Be open to making changes based on feedback, community needs, and your school’s objectives.

By following these tips, school leaders can unlock the true potential of their spaces, turning their schools into vibrant community hubs that support learning, growth, and connection beyond the school day.

At Sharesy, we are committed to helping schools and communities thrive together. Let’s make the most of our spaces and create stronger, more connected communities. Check out how we have helped other schools hire out their spaces with ease here.