, , ,

Scape Deputy CEO says poor condition of schools is impacting student learning

In a letter to The Guardian published this week, Deputy CEO of Scape Group and former Cabinet Office construction chief Caroline Compton-James, said:

“The education secretary is absolutely right in identifying that inequality, particularly regional inequality, in our school system is “baked in”, and we should welcome any moves from central government that seek to address that (Education secretary warns of ‘baked-in’ inequality in English school system, 13 August). But there is a glaring gap in this conversation that the government needs to recognise: the very real and ongoing issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), which continues to affect hundreds of schools.

“Four schools in North Tyneside experienced months of disruption due to crumbling concrete and were still waiting for urgent repairs during exam season. Meanwhile, students at a school in Durham have been making do with temporary classrooms since a Raac-induced closure last September.

“While schools are doing all they can to mitigate the situation, the Association of School and College Leaders has expressed concern that these conditions may significantly impact students’ learning, putting their futures at risk.

“UK schools need full support from the government on this matter. Our country’s young people deserve to learn in buildings that will help them thrive, and though reactive measures such as granting A-level result uplifts will help things in the short-term, the root cause of the issue still needs addressing.

“Our schools and local authorities need the resources, skills and funding to repair and maintain their facilities in the long run. Without these, the inequalities that the education minister speaks of are only going to be baked in further. But with the right plans, support and urgency from the government, we can begin to redress the balance and ensure future generations all have a safe, inspiring environment to learn in, whether they live in North Tyneside, Durham or London.”

Source: The Guardian

/0 Comments/by
,

Nottinghamshire school buildings most in need of improvement to see £8.6m investment

The latest programme of school infrastructure improvements across the county, worth £8.6m, has been unveiled.

The investment is part of the Nottinghamshire County Council’s annual school building improvement work which will be designed and delivered by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE.

A dozen schools will benefit from a range of improvements, dependent on the needs for each school. The works will include roof replacements, drainage improvements as well as energy-efficient lighting and boiler upgrades.

Maun Infant and Nursery School, in New Ollerton, is one such school to benefit, and £135,000 worth of work will help improve parts of an old drainage system plus replace internal rainwater pipes.

Cabinet member for economic development and asset management, Keith Girling, said: “Investing in our schools’ infrastructure is vital. Young people deserve to study and learn in buildings which are fit-for-purpose.

“We know that some schools were impacted by flooding earlier this year, so those schools most in need of improvements to their drainage systems are being prioritised. We have also secured some government money to help towards this work.

“This latest programme of work will once again help school buildings be more energy efficient and help save on bills. It is all part of a long-term investment plan which has seen various improvements to 67 school buildings since 2021.

“Once again, the vast majority of this work will be carried out by local contractors, which is good news for the local economy.”

Sam Smith, cabinet member for education and SEND, alongside the council leader Ben Bradley, recently wrote to the Department for Education to get reassurance of its commitment to fund the council’s school rebuilding programme.

He said: “This annual programme to improve school buildings is an important investment in our children’s future.”

While the council has a duty to maintain school infrastructure, the day-to-day maintenance tasks are the responsibility of the respective schools. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that schools can address immediate maintenance needs and allow the council to focus on larger infrastructure projects and improvements.

/0 Comments/by
,

Construction works begins at Itchen Sixth Form College

Construction of a new two-storey teaching block has started at Itchen Sixth Form College.

The project, delivered by complete construction partner Stepnell on behalf of Itchen, will enable the college to replace six temporary classrooms that were in very poor condition, nearing end of life and inefficient in terms of their energy use. The new two-storey teaching block will provide students with seven much-needed new classrooms and an extra sports hall.

Preparatory works at the Middle Road site started in May, before building works began in July.

The scheme is jointly funded by the college and the Department for Education’s post-16 capacity fund.

Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “This is a fantastic project for Stepnell to be involved in and we look forward to the construction progressing. As part of our social value strategy, we will have apprentices and work experience trainees on the project and will utilise local suppliers and specialist subcontractors.”

Alex Scott, principal at Itchen Sixth Form College, said: “We are delighted to see work underway, on time for delivery early in 2025. The new building will enable us to further enhance the experience of our staff and students, replacing tired accommodation with purpose built, state of the art facilities. We are pleased to work with Stepnell and Clifton Projects to achieve this aim.”

The construction works are being managed by Cliftons Projects. Malcolm Wright, director at Cliftons Projects, said: “We are thrilled to announce the commencement of our third project for Itchen Sixth Form College, featuring the construction of seven new classrooms and a multi-purpose sports hall. This new build two storey 1,100m2 facility will be adjacent to the existing college buildings, enhancing the learning environment for students and staff.

“We are excited to support Itchen Sixth Form College in improving its facilities. This development reflects our commitment to creating inspiring and functional educational spaces.”

The project also includes upgrading the college car park and removing the outdated modular classrooms, making way for permanent and modern educational spaces.

/0 Comments/by

Keys to new schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus handed over

FIFE Council has officially taken ownership of the new St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School at the Dunfermline Learning Campus.

The keys were ceremoniously handed over to councillor David Ross, leader of the local authority, by BAM’s construction director for Scotland, Martin Cooper, in what marked the completion of the transformative educational project.

The Dunfermline Learning Campus project was collaborative effort between Fife Council, Fife College, and the Scottish Government. The schools’ build is procured and managed by hub East Central Scotland. In time, the campus will co-locate pupils, students, and staff from St Columba’s RC High School, Woodmill High School, and Fife College, in modern, fit-for-purpose, and low-carbon facilities.

The new schools are equipped with innovative internal spaces, including a ‘Learning Lab’ with performance analysis tools, media studios, recording booths, and extensive creative project spaces. The campus also features learning plazas, breakout booths, digitally enabled learning spaces, and a range of outdoor facilities designed to promote holistic development and wellbeing.

The construction of the new schools began in September 2021, spearheaded by BAM Construction, and reached completion in June 2024. Reflecting on the project, Martin Cooper said, “It has been a privilege to work on such a forward-thinking project. The completion of the schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We are proud to deliver these outstanding facilities that will serve the community for many years.”

Councillor David Ross added, “We’re delighted to take ownership of these exceptional new facilities. The completion of St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School represents a significant investment in the future of our young people and our community. These schools will provide state-of-the-art learning environments that will inspire and support our students for generations to come.”

/0 Comments/by

Construction complete on new East Calder Primary

The brand-new state-of-the-art East Calder Primary School was handed over to West Lothian Council by Hub South East and Morrison Construction recently.

This will allow staff and pupils to move into the superb new school for the start of the new school term in August 2024, with the recently built Early Years extension retained.

A special event was held to mark the occasion, with East Calder pupils and staff joined by some of key people involved in the huge project of delivering the new school.

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I’m delighted that this superb new East Calder Primary School has been delivered on time and on budget.

“This fabulous new facility will provide an excellent platform for the delivery of quality education for the East Calder community.

“Thanks to everyone who has been involved delivering such a wonderful asset for our local children.”

East Calder Headteacher Fiona Stewart added: “All the staff and pupils at East Calder Primary are very excited to get into our amazing brand-new school.

“It will allow us to enhance the learning experiences we can offer our children for many years to come.”

The project was delivered on behalf of the council by development partner Hub South East with Morrison Construction as the lead contractor

This is the same partnership that recently delivered the new multi- school Winchburgh Schools development, West Calder High School and Calderwood Primary in East Calder.

Works to demolish the previous school building and complete the remaining external works are ongoing.

Eileen Mackin, Hub South East’s Project Director, said: “Our successful relationship with West Lothian Council has already delivered a range of inspiring learning spaces and we are proud to have successfully handed over the latest investment in their education estate.

“The new East Calder Primary school has a unique design, includes a mixture of flexible collaborative and individual workspaces and makes excellent use of its surroundings, with access to outdoor play and learning spaces. Having seen the smiles on the faces of both staff and pupils as they toured their new building, we’re confident it’s going to make a real positive difference to the learner journey of its young people when it opens in the new school term.”

David Ewing, Managing Director of Morrison Construction Building Central, commented: “East Calder Primary School was a truly exceptional project with exceptional results. The teams that worked to create this school should be proud of the work they have achieved.”

The £18.3 million facility was required as the current school building is not suitable for the future delivery of high-quality education due to a number of issues including suitability, accessibility and sustainability. Due to rising construction costs, a fixed price was agreed to remove additional financial risks.

It has been jointly funded by Scottish and Local Government as part of the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), which is administered by the Scottish Futures Trust. This programme previously supported the construction of the new Beatlie Campus in Livingston and is helping fund the new Craigshill primary school in Livingston.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

ROCKWOOL streamlines cavity barrier offering with ROCKWOOL SCB

ROCKWOOL is introducing a new EN-tested product to help prevent the spread of fire through concealed voids. The stone wool insulation manufacturer has developed a new cavity barrier called SCB.

The product is an expansion of its current range of cavity fire stopping products and is tested to meet the requirements of BS EN 1366-4:2021.

This new product development underlines the company’s commitment to offering products tested to the latest BS EN standards, while simultaneously providing customers with a more streamlined range.

ROCKWOOL SCB combines the functions of the currently available TCB and PWCB, building and expanding on their scope of application to replace these products. SCB will be available in two widths: 110mm as standard, and 200mm for use where a party wall meets the external cavity.

It is suitable for use in masonry, timber frame and steel frame cavities up to 290mm, and can be installed horizontally or vertically.

“Responding to customers’ requests, our new SCB has been tested with a steel frame substrate in addition to timber,” said Will Wigfield, Product Manager HVAC & Fire Protection at ROCKWOOL. “With a fire rating of up to E120, I45, subject to the application, we are confident that SCB will support specifiers seeking to meet and exceed performance guidelines – for example, the E30, I15, Approved Document B (ADB Volume 1) criteria relating to dwellings.”

TCB and PWCB will be phased out following the launch of SCB on 15th May 2024 and ROCKWOOL recommends switching to SCB specification in advance where possible. Specifications written prior to the expiration of the TCB and PWCB certifications will remain valid and the products remain available until 15 November 2024.

https://rockwool.link/SCB

/0 Comments/by
,

Raac-affected Durham school set for redevelopment

A school’s buildings affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) will be demolished as part of a major redevelopment.

St Leonard’s Catholic School in Durham has had a planning application approved by the county council to start demolition on the buildings, after they were deemed unsafe.

Hundreds of students have been taught in temporary accommodation since the discovery of Raac in 2023.

The new school site will include a sports hall and an assembly hall, as well as a dining hall.

Only Springwell Hall and the sixth form building will be retained as part of the new development, with the majority of the school’s existing buildings to be demolished.

Demolition work is due to start in the coming weeks, while the EFAB Building will be knocked down in August 2026 after asbestos removal.

However, one household – which is next to the school – told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was worried about being surrounded by building works.

“We are concerned that the second demolition of buildings, close to the eastern exit, is not to commence until August 2026.

“At the end of the planned second demolition, the development will have been under way for over two years. If County Hall is also to be demolished during this time it will only exacerbate the feeling of being sandwiched between building sites.”

There were also objections from residents and civic group the City of Durham Trust about the number of trees due to be felled as part of the demolition works.

/0 Comments/by
,

EDUCATION ESTATES INVESTMENT DRIVES BOOST FOR WATSON BATTY ARCHITECTS

Watson Batty Architects has announced a considerable boost to its education sector portfolio with a number of new instructions across the UK.

Since the Government committed to increase its allocation for upgrading schools, which includes £1.8 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, Watson Batty has seen a surge in business that now accounts for 32% of total turnover. This includes major new build projects for national contractors including Tilbury Douglas, ISG and modular building specialist Algeco UK.

Recent instructions include the design and delivery for a new science block at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby and a new 1,200 place 11- to 16-year-old school for the Northampton School for Boys. Planning consent was recently secured for a replacement school at Beacon Academy in Cleethorpes, Tees Valley SEND School, Leeds City Academy and works are due to commence on a replacement building for Hempland Primary School in York.

Watson Batty is also working with the University of Leeds, Leeds Becket University and Loughborough University to provide several new specialist health, science, and engineering facilities.

As an appointed Technical Advisor for the Department of Education, Watson Batty employs a highly skilled team that specialises in all aspects of learning sector estates design ranging from early years, primary, secondary, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through to further and higher education.

Peter White, Managing Director at Watson Batty Architects, said,

“We are a 48-year-old, award winning practice with considerable skills in all manner of projects across all built environment sectors. However, in recent years we have honed our ‘learning’ sector expertise in line with the Department for Education procurement strategy and formed strategic partnerships with a number of contractors to secure a strong pipeline.

“It is rewarding to see the growth of net zero carbon in operation projects in our education portfolio with a fabric first approach taking precedent. We see strong potential in delivering better educational facilities, and in particular much needed SEND provisions, nationally through upgrading existing stock and with the aid of modern methods of construction.”

“Indeed, the recent £850 million cash pledge by Government to improve accessibility for people with SEND is driving new upgrades to existing estates nationwide. Watson Batty is known for its specialist expertise in this area.”

Watson Batty designed The Vine SEND college for Leeds City Council with a particularly challenging brief to support students with severe disabilities. The now completed two-storey building allows students to access a broad curriculum and specialist spaces including rebound therapy, a physiotherapy suite, sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, and extensive life-skills centre.  Teaching areas contain hoists to allow students to freely access a range of spaces and easily transition between different activities.

At the end of last year Watson Batty announced that it was trading ten percent ahead of its £3.3 million turnover target just six months into its current financial year.

Watson Batty Architects is a future focused business offering architectural, interior design and master planning solutions for all sectors. Employing a team of 35 people across offices in Leeds and Loughborough, the practice is credited for many major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, sport and leisure, distribution facilities, commercial, master planning, residential and care developments and transport hubs.

Its team is also involved with the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme at the University of Sheffield, De Montfort University, Huddersfield, Leicester, and Loughborough University.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Spennymoor’s newest primary school: A look behind the scenes

Springmoor Grange School will become home to students from the existing Ox Close Primary and Ox Close Nursery Schools.

The contractor behind the construction of a new primary school in Spennymoor, which will replace the existing Ox Close Primary and Ox Close Nursery Schools, has shared the latest images from the site as the project nears completion.

North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is working in partnership with Durham County Council to deliver a two-storey school that will open in September 2024 and have capacity for up to 630 pupils in addition to a nursery unit. The new school will be called Springmoor Grange School and will be located on the Durham Road site of the former Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School.

Passers-by can see the latest progress externally, with brickwork, rainscreen cladding and curtain walling all substantially complete, allowing the perimeter scaffold to be taken down to reveal the new building. Photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed on the roof which will allow the school to generate its own solar energy.

The fit-out internally, including first and second fix joinery, is well underway and will create 21 teaching classrooms, a nursery, learning community suite, library, office spaces, staff room, toilet facilities, changing rooms, hall, and dining and kitchen facilities. Fixed furniture is also being installed, including classroom kitchens.

First fix mechanical and electrical works are well advanced and over the coming weeks, the focus will be on finishes and decoration as Esh Construction moves towards final handover.

The site car park is complete and work is ongoing off Spennymoor’s Durham Road to form new entrances into the school.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager for Esh’s commercial build division, said: “At Esh, we are proud to work within the local community to deliver a brand-new primary school that will benefit the local area for years to come. Working alongside Durham County Council, the school is being delivered to ensure that children in the area have the best facilities to learn and develop in their early school years.

“Throughout the scheme, we are working hard to maximise the social and economic benefits for the local area – to date, 91% of the workforce are from the North East region, 166 apprentice weeks have been delivered, and 24 veterans have worked on the project.”

The project is being designed and funded by Durham County Council and will ensure school provision in Spennymoor keeps pace with growing demand for places.

Anna Bowden, Acting Executive Headteacher at Ox Close Federation, said: “It has been great to witness the progress of Springmoor Grange School over the last few months and we have continued to work alongside Durham County Council and Esh Construction to ensure that the project is of maximum benefit for the children of Spennymoor, their families and the wider community.

“The new school will enhance our current provision, whilst also building upon the high standards, strong community ethos and wraparound care that Ox Close Primary and Ox Close Nursery Schools are noted for. It is a very exciting time and we are looking forward to moving and welcoming the children this September.”

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Plans for new £23m Gaelic school at B-listed derelict building approved

Plans to refurbish the former St James’ Primary in Calton have been given the go ahead, paving the way for the opening of Glasgow’s fourth Gaelic school.

Council planners have now approved the city education department’s bid to revamp — and extend — the B-listed Green Street building.

It is expected to be completed by December next year and open in January 2026. Pupils are currently being taught at North Kelvinside Primary.

Permission was previously granted to demolish part of the “derelict” school. The revamp of the remaining building presents “a vital lifeline for one of Calton’s most significant heritage assets”, the plans stated.

Under the scheme, the former primary school, which has been empty since 2009, will become part of Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a’ Challtainn — Calton Gaelic Primary School.

There will be 12 classrooms and two general purpose rooms, reusing the original classroom spaces. A multi-use games area will be provided too.

The project also includes an extension, to be built on what was the original playground. It will have an assembly hall, kitchen and a drama and performance classroom.

It was reported in September last year that the council would have to spend up to £11.6 million on the project, up from an initial estimate of £8.25 million, due to the building being in a worse condition and inflation.

Overall, the school is expected to cost £22.8 million, with funding also being provided by the Scottish Government.

Plans submitted by education services stated the school is “in a derelict state” and will “require substantial renovation work.”

“With St James’ fulfilling the requirements for Glasgow’s fourth Gaelic medium school, the project presents a vital lifeline for one of Calton’s most significant heritage assets and may play a part in energising regeneration of other historic assets in the area,” they added.

The new Gaelic school would join Glendale Primary School in the south and Govan Gaelic Primary School and Glasgow Gaelic School in the west.

Calton Community Council supported the proposal as it will “see the historic building reused in a sensitive and appropriate manner.”

No off-street parking is included in the plan. There will be four accessible spaces, two accessible drop-off bays and one bus bay. Parking for 89 bikes will be provided.

Planners reported the proposal would “salvage a substantial listed building which is one of the remaining pieces of cultural heritage of the Calton area and would make use of a prominent brownfield site that had fallen into significant disrepair.”

Previous plans for demolition covered toilet extensions and a section to the rear of the school building. Emergency works had already been carried out to the roof to “avoid uncontrolled collapse and halt further distress to the building.”

The school, built in 1885, was used until 2009 when remaining pupils were moved to Alexandra Parade Primary.

Source: STV News

/0 Comments/by