Space2, Leeds, (formerly Space @ Bracken Edge)
- Source: www.leedsschools.org/space
Project description
Opened in 2003, and located at Bracken Edge Primary School in Leeds, Space2 is used as a neighbourhood facility of 44m2. It provides a large art room, hall and four studio spaces for resident artists. These range from sculptors to poets and musicians. The main users of the facilities include pupils, their families and the wider arts community from the Chapeltown/Harehills area of Leeds.
Aims and objectives
- To provide a range of services throughout and beyond the school day to meet the needs of pupils and their families and the wider community
- To ensure that children stay safe, healthy, enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution to their community
- To create a focus for sports and arts activities across the community
- To encourage community involvement
- To promote opportunities to develop creativity and children's wellbeing.
Services offered
Space2 works with a cluster of three primary schools and other partners in the Chapeltown/Harehills area of Leeds, to provide a range of extended services. These include before and after-school activities, healthcare, sports and arts activities including dance, yoga, karate, taekwondo, art and chess. Half of the users are from the schools and half are general users of the extended services.
Benefits of co-location
There is a large client-base on the doorstep through the school - its pupils and their families. The facility has strengthened the school curriculum and has enhanced links with four other schools nearby. The independent nature of the organisation has improved relationships with young people, parents, carers and the wider community. There are opportunities for cross-use.
Success factors
- Strong partnerships (partners include Leeds City Council, the Youth Service, MIND, Home-Start)
- Ability to apply for, and successfully secure, funding from a wide-range of bodies
- Having a clear vision that is widely owned and flexible enough to withstand the rigours of changing circumstances
- Effective leadership and project management
- Clear and regular communication.
Risk factors
The organisation is housed on a site owned by a local authority. This has meant that the organisation is often faced with complex legal procedures and a lengthy decision-making processes. This can be difficult when community groups or projects need a speedy decision.
Business/operational model
Space2 is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, and run by a voluntary board of directors. All board members are based within the community either as residents, volunteers or workers and represent the cultural diversity of the area and some of the user groups. Space2 operates on a not-for-profit basis, with the majority of funding being generated from successful funding applications from organisations including Children Leeds, Big Lottery, Arts Council, Awards for All, West Yorkshire Police Trust, PCT and Feel Good Factor.
Financing and delivery/procurement
The building was funded from a range of sources, including the Big Lottery, the Arts Council, Awards For All, West Yorkshire Police and Children Leeds Special Support Allowance, Single Regeneration Budget and Neighbourhood Renewal.
Measurement and monitoring
Space2 understands the importance of effective monitoring and uses a range of methods to evaluate its activities and programmes. It is currently working with Bradford University to evaluate the extended services provision and with Canterbury University to evaluate specific projects. Evaluation methods include undertaking data analysis, activity evaluations, in-depth interviews, focus groups, questionnaires and video diaries.
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