The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust: Surveying to Make the Best Use of Space

Surveying to make the very best use of space

“I particularly like working with S2e because they are so open and willing to listen. We are on a premises journey together.”
— Graham Hayes, Estates & Facilities Business Partner, The Diocese of Coventry MAT

Timeline

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  • 2017: condition surveys carried out on 20 primary schools

  • 2017-18: Strategic Management Plan put in place to prioritise SCA spend

  • 2018: onwards: leaking roofs replaced in 9 schools

  • 2018: onwards: space rationalisation surveys conducted

  • 2018: onwards: use-of-space masterplans devised

  • 2020: onwards: funding advice to secure capital income streams

Issue to address

To decide the best use of our SCA funding at our 20 schools, we asked S2e to carry out comprehensive condition surveys. These revealed a maintenance backlog that would cost far more than the funds we had available.

We needed roofs urgently replaced to overcome a leaking problem that was widespread across the MAT.

And with many schools operating at either over-capacity or under-capacity, we needed to make sure every square metre was used to best advantage to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Projects completed

It was a huge weight off our shoulders to discover that S2e had the expertise to help us budget for both condition improvement and educational enhancement and conduct a rolling programme of roof replacement and space planning that is still ongoing today.

Through refurbishments, adaptations, remodelling and extensions, S2e have made teaching, admin and resource spaces better fit for purpose as well as creating multi-use areas that provide schools with much-valued flexibility.

The Outcome 

Thanks to S2e we have watertight roofing as well as the ability to make more efficient use of our estate just at a time when Covid-19 has led to rethinking layouts and how space is used.

S2e are also working with us on securing capital funding, such as Section 106 contributions from housing developers.

We now have much-improved learning environments after very little inconvenience to staff and pupils, along with the opportunity for further inspiring projects ahead.

To download a copy of this case study, please click here.

Adam RichardsSurveyors to EducationCondition Survey, Strategic Management Plan, Roof replacement, Space Rationalisation, Funding, Space Masterplans