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The academic year will be drawing to a close in a few weeks time, and this means that school leaders will already be planning ahead for the September term. The summer break is an ideal time to review the current and future classroom and nursery space requirements, and also to assess the condition of the school buildings.
The crisis in the UK school infrastructure has been well publicised, with some schools still making use of portable cabins for temporary classrooms due to unresolved problems with Raac or asbestos. In some cases, schools have installed modular buildings to be used on a permanent basis as a quick and cost effective alternative to conventional buildings.
Here’s a look at the benefits of modular classrooms for temporary or long-term use, and why summer is the best time to start making plans.
During refurbishments or new build projects
The government has recently announced that schools will be receiving a grant of £470m to invest in repairs such as asbestos removal, roof repairs, leaking pipes, and ventilation and electrical faults. Some schools are still waiting for repairs or replacement buildings to deal with dangerous Racc concrete issues.
Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough. Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.”
“This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”
While these repairs are being carried out, many schools will need extra space, not just for classrooms, but also for staff rooms, admin offices, storage, sports facilities and more.
Expanding pupil numbers or childcare facilities
Schools that are in high demand locally may require extra classrooms and facilities to accommodate the new September intake. The expansion of government funded childcare provision to 30 hours from September also means that there is a need for more early-years childcare facilities.
To help deliver the necessary expansion of 70,000 extra childcare spaces, the government has launched a £2bn School-Based Nursery (SBN) fund that enables state primary schools to convert existing space or build new facilities within the school grounds.
Modular buildings are ideal for this purpose, as there is still time for them to be installed and fully functional by the start of the new term in September.
The benefits of modular buildings for schools
Fast installation times
Modular buildings or portable cabins can be delivered and set up ready for use within days. This minimizes the disruption caused by a regular build project, and is ideal for schools that need to make urgent repairs or have extra space ready for September.
Customisable design
Modular buildings have a very flexible design, and they can be adapted to a range of different purposes and specialist uses. For example, they can be converted into science labs, sports halls, music studios, special needs spaces, exam centres, or art and craft studios.
It’s also easy to reconfigure the layout with partition walls and options for different flooring and wall cladding. The buildings can be integrated with technology and modern heating and lighting systems. Other options include the addition of multiple storeys or adjoining units to create a larger space, and the inclusion of cloakrooms, toilets, and kitchenettes.
Compliant and safe
Modular buildings are designed to high standards to meet building regulations, and can be integrated with child-friendly features such as anti-slip flooring, low-level access and safety windows.
Get ahead of the rush
Demand for portable buildings is high at this time of the year, so take advantage of the upcoming summer break and discuss your temporary school classroom requirements with us today.
For more information on Summer: The Ideal Time For Schools To Review Classroom Space talk to Cabinlocator Ltd