AMP Information sheet: School Managed Projects

Guidance for the completion of Project Notification form

(NB for ease of use the numbering below corresponds to that on the form)

2Project title, description & value:
The title and description of the project should refer to the part of the site / building / block / rooms affected by the proposals. Amarked up copy of the school’s site / floor plan should also be enclosed, highlighting the area(s) where the proposed works will occur.

Finance. Prior to the appointment of contractors, schools should ensure they comply with NCC Financial Regulations as follows:

  • Projects between £1,000 - £9,999, at least two quotations should be sought.
  • Projects between £10,000 - £29,999, at least three quotations should be sought.
  • Proposed schemes of £30,000 and above, a formal tendering procedure should beapplied, with at least four tenders invited.
  • For projects of £156,000 or more, schools should refer to NCC Procurement Department (Refer to Section G of Property Management Handbook)

3Link to strategic plans:

Part of the DfE’s Capital funding for schools maintenance policyintention, to ensure that “the school estate is in good condition through cost effective estate management and investment approach.” Their approach is to provide maintenance funding so that responsible bodies can address priority maintenance and repairs in schools, so when planning any maintenance, refurbishment, remodelling or extension works, it is important to consider whether the need for these works is identified in the school’s Condition or Suitability AMP records.

Undertaking any such schemesshould aim to reduce the backlog of strategic maintenance (Condition categories 1 to 3) or / and eliminate the shortfalls identified by the Suitability assessment (Categories A to D). Refer to your AMP Condition & Suitability survey records for your school’s priorities under AMP.

4Consultants

Generally the appointment of appropriately qualified construction professionals will be necessary for all but the smallest of projects. School governing bodies have a responsibility to ensure the appointment of competent persons or organisations to work on their behalf. Guidance on the issues of selection and appointment of consultants can be found in Section G4 of the ‘Property Management Handbook’.

5. Project details

5.01Approvals

a)Planning Approval

Refer to Section F3.2 of the Property Management Handbook for more information on planning approval.

b)Building Regulations Approval
Since April 2001, building work at schools has been subject to Building Regulations approval.Please refer to Section F3.3 of the Property Management Handbook for more information.

c)Education (School Premises) Regulations 2012
There are minimum accommodation standards applicable to schools, as prescribed by the DfE. Compliance with these Building Bulletins is a legal requirement, and it is recommended that appropriate professional advice is sought. More information can be found in Appendix 4 of the Property Management Handbook.

5.02Health and Safety

a)Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
Any building works can create health and safety hazards and the risk is significantly increased within a school environment. The CDM Regulations apply to all building projects, including demolition. More information on CDM Regulations can be found in Section F3.4 of the ‘Property Management Handbook’.

b)Asbestos containing materials
Any works undertaken on an existing building which was built before 1985 could potentially disturb asbestos containing materials. Information contained in the school’s Asbestos survey should be considered when undertaking any works. Please see Section B7 of the Property Management Handbook for more detailed advice.

5.03Service installations
Remodelling / extension / alteration works are likely to disturb or otherwise affect the building services. Property Asset Management is often able to assist schools with the location of these by providing service layout plans. When planning to extend premises the capacity of the existing heating and electricity provisionshould be considered.

5.04Accommodation changes

a)Increasing capacity
Any increase in the floor area of teaching accommodation is likely to affect the ‘net capacity’ calculation and ‘indicated admission number’. Where such proposals are put forward, NCC officers will consider the likely impact in terms of the School Organisation Plan framework.

b)Change of use
Change of use of any room, especially if changed from non-teaching to teaching and vice versa, is likely to affect the ‘suitability’ as well as the ‘capacity’ of a school.

c)Sanitary accommodation
Any changes to sanitary accommodation should comply with the requirements of Education (School Premises) Regulations 2012 (pupils) and Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (staff).

5.05Accessibility
Under the Equality Act 2010, Local Authorities and schools have a duty to progressively increase accessibility to disabled pupils. Any building works should be considered alongside objectives set out in the school’s Access Plan. Extensions and remodelling works should comply with Part M of the Building Regulations.

SMP Guidance – August 2014