Facilities Management
A guide to successful school estate projects The ‘Good estate management for schools’ guide from the Department for Education is an online tool with advice on how to effectively maintain the school estate as well as plan new projects. This year, the DfE has updated the guidance on estate-related projects to include skills and planning Last year, the Department for Education released an online tool to guide those responsible for costeffective estates management. Called the ‘Good estate management for schools’ (GEMS), the guidance allows schools to assess their current arrangements and identify where improvements can be made. It covers issues ranging from guidance on health and safety management to advice on how to minimise energy and water usage. A set of self-assessment questions are also included to help headteachers and governing boards to gauge where they are doing well and which areas require more attention. There is also information on the important policies and processes that schools should have in place, guidance on how to plan estate projects, and tips on making the most of property assets.
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Estate projects the necessary technical and construction This year, the DfE updated its guidance on skills within their organisation, the estates projects to include skills and planning. guide recommends they are hired. It says that a new estate project requires Schools or organisations remain ultimately careful planning so that the project meets responsible for the delivery of the desired outcomes. Informed their estate projects. They planning will also ensure should therefore make School that resources are used to suitable arrangements best effect and that the to make sure that are urg s e school’s responsibilities skilled resources d not to are understood before are appointed and f o c solely o us the project starts, during available at the n cost bu the initial the project, and after it start of the project t to con has been completed. and that specific the per sider For any estate projects requirements f o r m ance of the taking place, schools of the project asset o need to have suitably are documented v e r its life qualified and experienced and understood by people to help to deliver school management the project. If they don’t have and the contractor.
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