Brief Project Overview As We Await The CIF Outcome Announcements

The upcoming 2022/23 CIF outcome announcements will be released soon and the ECP team are preparing to see the results of the bids we placed on behalf of the schools and multi-academy trusts we are working with.

The projects submitted range from safeguarding issues and roof works to boiler replacement, ventilation, and replacement of a structural roof deck. All projects will make a significant difference to the learning environments of the pupils and students.

Here are just a couple of examples of projects we successfully secured CIF bids for in previous rounds. At the point of writing this article, we’re sharing an overview of progress on the project work and how it has benefited the schools so far:

1. Redborne Upper School, Bedford

We assisted in obtaining two successful CIF bids in 2021/2022 including refurbishment and re-decking of the roof over the IT block and the replacement of windows and doors to a large portion of the school. The roof works were completed early in the Autumn term, with the window replacement scheme currently on site. Our project managers have been working closely with the school to ensure minimal disruption whilst this is undertaken during term time. The windows and doors replace aged single glazed items and will go a long way to retaining heat, reducing energy bills and lowering the school’s carbon footprint.

2. Holmer Green Senior School

For the second year in a row, we were able to assist the school in obtaining CIF for roofing works – this year to the dining hall and science labs and prep room. Leaks had been ongoing for several years and despite the school’s best efforts to reactively repair, the leaks continued and were a constant pain for the site staff to shut off areas. The works included provision of new insulation more than current building regulation requirements, which will help retain the heat and minimize the solar gain in the summer.

3. Oakgrove School, Milton Keynes

We were delighted to assist the school in obtaining CIF for roof works for the second year in a row. This phase involved several roof areas to the south of the site. As with the first phase, there were multiple logistical challenges to get over due to the 3-storey height and the timber cladding meaning a substantial designed scaffold was needed to provide access and edge protection at roof level. This project was undertaken predominantly during term time. Good planning and communication ensured disruption was kept to a minimum with the works completed in March 2022.

To find out more about CIF bidding and the opportunities available to your school, contact the team today and we’d be happy to discuss how we can help your school or multi-academy trust.