Securing capital investment in these difficult economic times is critical not only for better education outcomes but also for the continued support of the ailing construction industry and the drive for eventual growth of our economy.
There is no doubt that the demands on school building and its place in the community has changed significantly since many schools were first built.
In the last year alone, the progression of Free Schools and Academies, often built or developed as part of a ‘learning environment,’ means premises need to have a coherent strategy for developing, maintenance and investing in the school’s estate.
To optimise the benefit of available funding, it is essential to ensure schools can maximise the value of the refurbishment work, achieving best pricing whilst retaining quality. This applies to both specific packages of specialist ‘elemental’ works as well as to whole scale remodelling jobs.
For example, improving windows and doors will create a more secure environment, reduce heat loss, and provide significant energy savings for the school. But the exact performance is highly dependent on the quality of window design, specification and installation. Currently, many schools are shifting their procurement strategy away from elemental towards larger refurbishment plans, taking a holistic vision of the potential of a whole school site sometimes including new community buildings as well as extra classrooms.
The success of such projects depends on choosing the right contractors to implement (and often design) the works. To help with this LHC has developed an Education Contractors’ (EF1) framework arrangement.
EF1 offers six main contractors, appointed on a regional basis, to deliver fast and flexible procurement for new build extensions, alterations and refurbishments works for all primary and secondary schools or other educational buildings.
Contractors have been appointed according to their expertise in key areas: experience of delivering school projects in the local area; design capability; capacity and efficiency; project partnering skills; sustainability credentials; and competitive pricing.
Northumberland County Council used EF1 to provide Chantry Middle School with a two-storey extension. This incorporated a new state-of-the- art science laboratory on the ground floor and additional flexible teaching space and office accommodation on the first floor. The two additional classrooms replaced a dilapidated temporary mobile building and allowed the children to learn in a more pleasant environment.
Paul Lawrence, executive head teacher at Chantry Middle School, said: ‘By using LHC’s EF1 contractors’ arrangement, we could ensure compliance with procurement policy, save significant costly time on the procurement process and guarantee a high quality contractor. All of our preconstruction concerns including safety and access were considered, and the end result is a brand new extension to be proud of.’ M
erthyr Tydfil Borough Council, which took advantage of funding by the Welsh Government in honour of Cyfarthfa High school’s centenary, used EF1 and appointed Contractor Kier to build an extension and created an all-encompassing drama suite, science classrooms, IT department and a new canteen.
These two examples not only demonstrate how extensions can integrate and enhance the overall school facilities, but also overall improve the appearance of the building and ultimately the self-esteem of all who attend.
In summary, the concerns over the state of fiscal restraint, the increasing need to reduce carbon emissions, questions over the suitability of PFI, the rise of parent promoted free schools and the drive to increase the number of independent academies, are affecting procurement policy in education.
However, local authorities and schools now have an opportunity to take advantage of the Coalition’s continued commitment to education and consequential funding.
And it is essential that they achieve best value procurement to ensure the work improves the schools facilities to maximum effect.
• LHC is now conducting research on the future requirements for school and community building works. LHC is seeking comments and contributions from active professionals involved in school and community building procurement. To be involved, please email mail@lhc.gov.uk.
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