Article: Developing the optimum learning environment
Why good estate management can increase levels of pupil attainment
Surveyors to Education has been featured in a two page article in the Good Estate Management Supplement within the latest edition of The Voice Magazine.
The article titled “Developing the optimum learning environment”, describes the importance of good estate management and emphasises the direct link between strategic estate management, maintenance and improvement and increasing levels of pupil attainment.
Key areas covered in the article:
Understanding the condition of your estate
A good starting point before obtaining funds for improvements, is to fully understand the physical condition of your estate with the help of a:
Property Data Survey (PDS)
Condition Data Collection Survey (CDC)
Condition Survey carried out by a qualified Charted Building Surveyor
“Condition surveys are more technical, intrusive assessments that provide a detailed, systematic, uniform and objective assessment of the state of the buildings.”
Sources of funding for estate improvement
Each year the Government, through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) make funding and grants available to academies and schools for the capital required to complete their projects. They include:
Devolved Formula Capital Funding (DFC)
Condition Improvement Funding (CIF)
School Condition Allocation (SCA)
Urgent Capital Support (UCS) Fund
Operating Leases
Section 106 Funding
In 2019 £433 million was made available for 1,412 projects across 1,209 academies and sixth forms across the country.
The right skills for the job
When funding has been obtained, it is important tho have the right skills at your disposal to successfully complete your projects. A Charted Building Surveyor will be able to provide a detailed project specification, cost estimate and project plan to get you started on your premises journey.
The UK’s most successful CIF funding consultancy
Surveyors to Education help academies and MATs develop the optimum learning environment for pupils. Since our formation we have developed many long standing relationships with our clients and to date have successfully delivered over 700 capital projects, all of which have given us a wealth of experience in making sure we are able to not only secure you the relevant funding needed for any upcoming project but also to deliver these projects from start to finish, on time and in full, time and time again.
If you would like to talk to us about any upcoming projects or funding bids, regardless of where you are on your estates journey, then please contact Surveyors to Education on 01530 276127 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
