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The Key to Successful School Condition Allocation (SCA) Planning - Start Early

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Robert Gould

Partner at Barker | Award-Winning Integrated Property Consultants

As the leaves begin to turn and the days grow shorter, it’s time to start thinking about your School Condition Allocation (SCA) capital programme. Planning your capital works well in advance, ideally starting in the autumn, is crucial to ensure successful delivery in the following spring and summer. This proactive approach not only helps in managing timelines but also maximises the effectiveness of your investments. Here’s why early planning is essential and how Barker can support you through the process.

 

The Importance of Early Strategic Planning

Starting your planning process early in the autumn encourages broader engagement in project selection. This period allows stakeholders to focus on spending based on actual needs rather than wants. Engaging with various stakeholders early ensures that the projects selected are those that will have the most significant impact on your school’s infrastructure and educational environment.

 

Feasibility Studies and Options Appraisals

Planning in advance provides ample time for conducting feasibility studies and options appraisals. These steps are critical in identifying the best solutions for your school’s needs and are recommended as best practice in the DfE’s Good Estate Management for Schools Guidance. By evaluating different options, you can ensure that the chosen projects are not only feasible but also the most cost-effective and beneficial in the long run.

Get Internal Approval for your Draft Programme of Works

Preparing a draft programme of works before Christmas is a recommended strategic move. This timeline allows for internal reviews and governor/board sign-offs before entering the more expensive design and specification phases. Having a draft ready early ensures that all necessary approvals are in place, reducing the risk of delays later in the process.

 

Detailed Specification and Stakeholder Engagement

Allowing sufficient time for the specification phase is crucial. Proper design development and stakeholder engagement during this period help minimise risks. Detailed specifications ensure that all aspects of the project are well thought out and agreed upon, reducing the likelihood of costly changes during the construction phase.

 

Procurement and Contractor Selection

Adequate time for procurement and contractor selection is another benefit of early planning. This phase is essential for achieving value for money, meeting procurement rules, and maximizing the quality of the work. Rushing through procurement can lead to compromises on contractor selection and higher costs, so starting early helps avoid these pitfalls.

The Client View:

 

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the team at Barker for their involvement this year.  From my perspective it has been a very smooth programme.

Alison Austin – Operations Manager, BEST

For more detailed guidance on planning and prioritising estate maintenance works, read our article.

How Barker Can Help

At Barker, we understand the complexities involved in planning and managing capital maintenance and development programmes. Here’s how we can support you:

 

1. Condition Surveys:

We provide comprehensive condition surveys to ensure you have accurate data on the maintenance requirements of your buildings. This data is crucial for informed decision-making and effective planning.

 

2. Strategic Support:

Our team offers strategic support to help you develop your SCA capital programme. We work with you to identify priorities and ensure that your investments are aligned with your school’s long-term goals.

 

3. EOPortal:

Our EOPortal dashboard is a powerful tool that helps you collate, report, and analyse your estates data. This platform facilitates better decision-making by providing a clear overview of your estate’s condition and needs. Learn more about the EOPortal here.

 

4. Feasibility Studies and Cost Planning:

We can prepare feasibility studies, options appraisals, and budget costs to help manage risks and ensure robust project delivery. Our approach ensures that you have a clear understanding of the potential costs and benefits of each project before committing to significant expenditures.

 

Click here to read how we supported Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) to deliver their 2024 capital works programme.

 

By starting your SCA capital programme planning in the autumn, you position yourself to deliver successful projects in the spring and summer. Early planning not only helps in managing timelines but also ensures that your investments are strategic, cost-effective, and impactful.

Planning ahead is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity for ensuring that your school’s infrastructure supports its educational mission. Let Barker help you navigate this process with confidence.

 

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