Whole School Physical Activity Conference
Date: Mon, 17th Jun 2024 - Wed, 19th Jun 2024
Venue: University of Bradford
The University of Bradford, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research & Yorkshire Sport Foundation are hosting the inaugural, International Whole-School Physical Activity Conference taking place in Bradford.
With over 100 presenters from 24 countries, this conference provides the largest global platform dedicated to sharing developments in promoting whole-school physical activity. It aims to engage and connect practitioners, researchers, and decision-makers to share learning, influence leaders, and shape future policy. Understanding the complexity of implementing and integrating physical activity into school-based education is essential to ensuring the sustainability of initiatives in schools. Bringing together a diverse audience, the WSPA 2024 conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from globally leading school-based approaches to physical activity. Keynotes will advance understanding of what works, learning from pioneering schools, educational partners, and policymakers that deliver and support those programmes.
More information: https://www.wspa2024.co.uk/
Background
The centre is being developed by Leicester North West SRB5 (Government-funded Single Regeneration Budget), Leicester City Council, Leicester North West 'Healthy Living Network' and Barleycroft Primary School.
It is being built on the site of the Barleycroft Youth Centre and next door to Barleycroft Primary School. Both buildings are located right in the middle of the Barleycroft area, Beaumont Leys.
Improvements in facilities
We have extended the Youth Centre considerably, adding a new wing which will house a broadband-connected ICT suite, a multi-purpose room (for groups of about 20), two counselling/interview rooms, and new reception facilities.
At the same time we have already significantly upgraded the existing building, introducing improved access, a new kitchen, lots of new storage, as well as upgrading the main hall, installing new toilets to allow the site to operate within OFSTED requirements and improving office accommodation.
The exterior of the site will also be improved, with the relocation of play equipment and the upgrading of footpaths and access to the existing shopping centre (which overlooks the site).
Community services
Barleycroft Access Centre will be able to offer a number of different services. In particular, the ICT suite will run a full programme of courses - and the ICT services have been designed to link in with the three UK Online centres already established by the SRB5 and its partners in the area.
The interview rooms lend themselves to one-to-one support for people seeking employment or careers advice. The multipurpose room allows for small group training in basic skills, ESOL (English as a Second Language), etc.
The building will also function as part of the LNW 'Healthy Living Network' and as one of three 'Healthy Living Centres' in the area (funded by the New Opportunities Fund and SRB5). Again, the flexibility of the design allows for one-to-one work with, say, new mothers or for activities that require more space (e.g. exercise classes) which can take place in the main hall.
Young people
The building already works well as a young people's centre and they, too, will be able to take advantage of the new ICT and health facilities.
But of particular significance for the local community is the fact that the centre will be able to offer pre-school nursery provision for Barleycroft Primary School. This should help the school to achieve better SATS figures.