How to Prepare Your School for the New Term

As the summer holidays come to an end, it is important to ensure the school’s facilities are ready to welcome back students and staff. Proper preparation isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about creating a safe and compliant environment for not just students and staff but also for parents and the local community.

At Munday & Cramer, we understand the complexities of school estate management. Here’s our comprehensive guide to preparing your school estate for the new academic year.

1. Health, Safety, and Compliance

Building Safety: Your first priority must be ensuring all buildings are safe, warm, dry, and weatherproof. This means planning and completing essential maintenance work during the summer break when buildings are less occupied. Don’t leave critical repairs until term starts – addressing issues now prevents disruption to learning later.

Compliance Checks: Confirm your estate meets all statutory and regulatory standards. This includes comprehensive checks of fire safety systems, asbestos management procedures, and Legionella prevention measures. Ensure all necessary documentation is current and accessible. Remember, compliance isn’t optional – it’s fundamental to protecting your school community.

Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments across your entire estate. Identify potential hazards, from playground equipment to building structures, and implement appropriate mitigation measures. A systematic approach to risk management protects both people and your organisation.

2. Building Condition and Maintenance

Building Condition Surveys: Regular building condition surveys are essential for identifying maintenance needs before they become urgent problems. These surveys inform your long-term asset management planning and help you prioritise spending where it’s most needed.

Asset Register: Maintain a comprehensive record of all your land, buildings, and equipment. Your asset register should detail condition, age, location, and legal status. This information is crucial for strategic planning and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Preventative Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance prevents expensive emergency repairs and keeps your estate in good condition year-round. Plan maintenance activities during school holidays to minimise disruption to education.

3. Strategic Planning

Asset Management Plan (AMP): An up-to-date Asset Management Plan provides the evidence base for informed decision-making. Your AMP should identify projects that align with your school’s long-term vision and help you make the case for funding.

Budgeting and Funding: Strategic spending requires careful planning. Identify funding needs early and capitalise on available funding streams. Effective budgeting maximises the impact of every pound spent on your estate.

Getting Ready

Preparing your school estate for the new term requires strategic planning and professional expertise. The investment you make now will pay off throughout the academic year.

At M&C, we specialise in helping schools create estates that support educational excellence. From building condition surveys to strategic asset management planning, we provide the expertise you need to ensure your school estate is ready for whatever the new term brings.

Contact M&C today to discuss how we can support your estate management needs.