RAAC Discovery
Following all the news last September of schools being closed with very short notice due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), we as a Trust, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, discovered RAAC in one of our schools in the spring of 2022. During a routine Survey we were given the news by our Surveyors and were told that the school had to close! Back to homeschooling for two weeks and then pupils split between two school sites for a couple of months, we eventually got everyone back together before the end of the summer term, in a temporary school building on the school field. We became part of the School Re-building Program and will take ownership of a lovely new School building in the latter half of 2025.
To say the discovery of RAAC has been a disturbing and disrupting event for all involved is an understatement. However, almost two years down the line, being in the temporary building has somehow become the norm but don't get me wrong, roll on 2025!
During this time, the School being part of the Trust was a huge benefit to them. They were able to get on with Teaching and Learning, caring for the pupils on a day to day basis and the Trust worked in the background. Submitting applications, liaising with the DfE, the Diocese, attending all the meetings, filling out lengthy forms and questionnaires, dealing with suppliers, contractors, parents, neighbours, you name it and all while keeping Stakeholders informed and consulted throughout the process.
Meanwhile, we still have to manage the rest of our estate. Most of our buildings are now reaching that point in their life where they need significant investment and a lot of TLC. According to The Education Hub on the Gov.UK website, the Government have committed £1.8billion to keeping schools safe in 2023-2024 and £1.1billion in School Condition Allocations (SCA) which seems a huge amount but when you break that down, it's not a lot for each school. Resources, materials and wages have increased significantly over the last couple of years and that money doesn't go very far these days but it remains essential for schools to continue to proactively manage their buildings and estates by adopting a strategic and comprehensive approach to facilities management. There are several strategies that schools can implement to ensure the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their physical infrastructure:
1. Regular Maintenance and Inspections
2. Asset Management
3. Energy Efficiency
4. Safety and Security Measures
5. Technology Integration
6. Sustainability Initiatives
7. Community Engagement
8. Training and Professional Development
9. Emergency Preparedness
10. Long Term Planning
By taking a proactive and strategic approach to facilities management, schools can create a conducive and safe environment for learning and contribute to the overall success of the educational institution.
We strive to keep our buildings safe and secure for all our pupils and staff and to give them the kind of environment where they can learn and be the best they can be. It's an ongoing project and one which needs continued investment but we care about our schools and the people in them, so it's a job worth doing!
Carmel Festenstein, Director of Resources
January 2024