Great Berry Primary School secured CIF funding to deliver a comprehensive upgrade of its fire‑safety infrastructure, following a series of assessments that highlighted ageing systems, non‑compliant fire doors and weaknesses in compartmentation. The project was essential to ensure the school met current statutory requirements and could continue to operate safely, with confidence that pupils, staff and visitors were protected.

The Challenge

The school was faced with a number of fire‑safety concerns that had developed over time. Fire doors had deteriorated, gaps in compartmentation were allowing smoke pathways to form, and the existing alarm system no longer provided the level of coverage expected under current standards. Emergency lighting was inconsistent across escape routes, and several areas of the building lacked adequate smoke control.

These issues not only increased the risk of smoke spread during an incident but also placed additional pressure on staff responsible for managing fire safety. The school recognised that repairs were no longer sustainable and that a site‑wide upgrade was required to bring the estate back into compliance.

Our Approach

Munday & Cramer led the project through to completion, beginning with a detailed review of the school’s fire‑risk assessments and intrusive surveys. This allowed us to develop a clear, fire‑strategy plan.

We prepared a full specification and managed procurement in line with public‑sector requirements, ensuring best value and technical compliance. Throughout the works, we coordinated with the school to phase installations safely, maintaining access to teaching spaces and minimising disruption to daily operations. Regular site inspections and contract administration ensured that all installations were completed to the required standard and fully certified.

The Solution

This CIF project delivered a full upgrade to the school’s fire safety systems. Non‑compliant fire doors were replaced with certified FD30 and FD60 sets, restoring the integrity of escape routes and compartment lines. Intrusive fire‑stopping works reinstated compartmentation throughout the building, sealing service penetrations and reinstating fire‑resistant barriers where they had been compromised.

A new fire alarm system was installed to provide reliable detection and clear zoning across the site, supported by upgraded emergency lighting to ensure safe evacuation in all conditions. Smoke control was improved in key corridors and stairwells, and escape routes were refurbished to meet current standards. The entire system was fully tested, commissioned and certified on completion.

The Outcome

The project has significantly strengthened the school’s fire‑safety performance and provided long‑term assurance for the Trust. The building now benefits from reliable detection, compliant fire doors, restored compartmentation and clearly illuminated escape routes. Staff have greater confidence in the school’s safety systems, and the risk of smoke spread or compromised evacuation has been dramatically reduced.

Most importantly, the improvements create a safer, more resilient environment for pupils and staff, supporting the school’s commitment to providing a secure and well‑maintained learning environment.

Building Surveying
Procurement
Project Management
CIF Funding Application