Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted
Poor school building conditions severely undermine pupil attainment and teacher retention
Conclusion
DfE believes that poor quality school buildings have a negative impact in important ways, including by reducing pupil attainment levels and teacher retention. Stakeholders across the sector also emphasise how buildings being too hot or cold, insufficient ventilation, and disruption caused by parts of a school being unusable, can adversely affect pupils’ experience, especially those struggling academically or those with special educational needs and disabilities. In its written submission, the Confederation of School Trusts stated that its members were clear about the direct impact of building condition on educational provision, particularly where the condition is poor. One of its members explained that “a well-presented, clean environment allows people to feel safe and cared for; a positive environment aids the teaching and learning experience.” By contrast, one of its smaller trusts described a school going through two winters relying on plug-in heaters due to the failure of the boiler and a lack of success in applying for maintenance and repair funding. The Confederation also explained how less substantial issues can still cause signification disruption, such as activities needing to be relocated due to leaking roofs, and rooms with extensive glazing being too hot in summer and expensive to heat in winter.41
Government Response Summary
The government states that responsible bodies are accountable for safe buildings, and it provides case-by-case support for serious issues. It has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 for school estate improvement, including the School Rebuilding Programme, and provides extensive guidance and support to the sector.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 It is the responsibility of responsible bodies to keep their buildings safe and carefully prioritise investment over time. It is already the case that where responsible bodies have serious issues with their buildings that cannot be managed independently, the department provides additional support on a case-by-case basis through the department’s capital teams. 6.3 The government has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 to improve the condition of the school estate, including £1.8 billion committed in financial year 2023-24. Funding allocations are informed by consistent data on the condition of the school estate, so that responsible bodies with schools in relatively poorer condition attract greater funding. In addition, the School Rebuilding Programme is transforming poor condition buildings at over 500 schools, including schools with RAAC that need rebuilding projects. 6.7 The department already provides extensive guidance and support to the sector on effective and safe management of school buildings, through the well-regarded Good estate management for schools manual, which sets out best practice, including strategic estate management, managing resources, prioritising maintenance and health and safety compliance, the Estate management competency framework which sets out the skills and knowledge needed to manage school estates at all levels, from operational staff through to leadership; and the Capital advisers programme (CAP) offers multi-academy trusts bespoke recommendations from experienced technical advisers. 6.8 The department, however, keeps its guidance and support under review so that it meets the needs of the sector.