Schools and learning

G - Premises Management & Development - Part I - Context

Introduction and Guidance

Funding is increasingly being made available directly to schools, by central government, giving added responsibility and opportunity for schools to manage building works.

With increasing delegation and the introduction of Devolved Formula Capital, it is increasingly important that governors plan and manage their premises (including the overall site) to achieve not just good financial management but also strategic property management. Premises management and development should be included in school Development Plans. The key tool for this task is the school's Asset Management Plan (AMP).

The increasing delegation of funds to governing bodies means greater responsibilities for governors. Resources are always scarce and this is particularly the case with expenditure on property. This means that it is often not possible to fund schemes in the way that you or we would wish to. BUT it is important to take an overall approach when considering property issues and especially important not to cut corners.

Schools should retain readily available property information and develop:

1. An annual maintenance programme

2. An accommodation development plan covering a period of 5 years.

Each of the above should link to other school development plans thus enabling schools to consider issues such as:

• Health & Safety requirements, including Statutory Testing

• Essential day-to-day maintenance

• Meeting curriculum requirements

• Matching accommodation needs with falling rolls or increasing pupil numbers.

Support for schools is available on policy, strategy, project development and undertaking works from a range of County Council departments. The County Council's customer service centre can direct enquiries to the appropriate department. Their telephone number is 01438 737555.

Further guidance and support is available from the following:

School Works publication School Works Toolkit available free to schools or may be purchased by others from School Works Ltd, The Mezzanine, Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, London, SE1 7NQ Tel 0207 401 5333, Fax 0207 401 5331, Email - mail@school-works.org.  The website link is on the right hand side of the page.

In addition the DCSF publish a number of Building Bulletins.  These contain much technical information which is used by building works' professionals.  However, you may find some of the material useful background.

A full list of current Building Bulletins is given on:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=2852

However, it should be stressed that given the legal framework and the highly technical nature of building works, schools are strongly advised to employ professionals.  Further information and advice on this are given later in this section.

Voluntary Aided Schools please click here

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