It is no secret that lots of educational buildings are broken. More than £17 billion has been invested by the government since 2015 to keep schools in working order, but many still pose serious risks to pupils, teachers and support staff.
While all issues should be addressed promptly, some are more significant and potentially hazardous. It is vital that you understand what the biggest threats to your school building are, so you can repair minor concerns before they turn into major dangers.
Our article looks at common problems you may find across your estate, and what you can do to prevent or repair them. Continue reading to learn more.
Are schools high-risk buildings?
School buildings can often be considered high risk. Some serve thousands of staff members and pupils every weekday, and many buildings suffer from ageing materials and substandard construction practices that no longer meet today’s safety standards. The combination of these factors can mean schools are at greater risk than other building types.
What are the top risks in school buildings?
- Structural damage – Cracks in walls, sagging roofs and damaged foundations could cause parts of the school to collapse
- Asbestos – Many older schools still contain asbestos, which can release dangerous fibres if disturbed
- Electrical faults – Outdated wiring or overloaded systems can lead to fires or electrocution
- Damp and mould – Broken gutters, leaky roofs or poor ventilation can result in mould growth
- Fire safety issues – Malfunctioning or missing alarms, blocked exits and inadequate evacuation procedures increase risk in the event of a fire
How can I address school building safety concerns
If you are concerned about a specific area within your school estate, we recommend having your building inspected by an RICS-accredited surveyor. They will assess the interiors and exteriors before writing a detailed report about the state of your buildings.
Once risks are identified, you should prioritise urgent repairs and create a realistic timeline for addressing lower-level concerns. You should then ensure the repairs fit your budget or apply for additional funding if required. We can help you identify suitable schemes to take advantage of.
After this, speak to education building professionals to oversee the renovations. They will work with quality contractors to carry out repairs, ensuring all industry regulations are met in the process.
Can I prevent common problems in school buildings before they occur?
It is always better to stop small issues from becoming large ones. Some of the best ways to do this include:
- Implement a planned maintenance schedule to catch issues early
- Upgrade outdated infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency
- Train site staff to ensure they can spot signs of damage and know when to escalate issues
- Use smart building monitoring systems to track asset performance in real time
Speak to our education experts if you have safety concerns about your school building
We understand that threats to school buildings can be daunting, especially when budgets are tight. Our services ensure your estate is thoroughly checked for potential hazards and provide tailored solutions to deal with them.
Whether you have identified a problem area or want to stay on top of minor issues, please call 0808 253 9295 or use the form below to speak to us today. Our 180 years of experience and proven track record could prove vital in keeping your teachers and pupils safe.
