Just under a million spent on La Mare improvements

Monday 10 September 2018

Work undertaken over the summer has resulted in the La Mare de Carteret schools offering a "visibly better learning and working environment".

In April, the new Education, Sport and Culture Committee committed to improving the school building before the start of the new year.

Originally the work was given a £700,000 budget, but ESC said as the project progressed, it became clear additional funds would be required to secure the necessary improvements - with plans for window and door replacements, electrical and plumbing work and full redecoration of some areas.

To cover this, an added £269,000 was asked for, bringing the total budget to £971,000. It is expected the work will come in under this new, increased, budget.

Vicky Godley, La Mare de Carteret High School Headteacher, said: "We are very pleased with the results from the investment in our buildings. The improvements have enhanced our learning environment, which is vital in supporting the work of students and staff particularly during this transition period. Everyone connected to the school has very much welcomed the investment."

La Mare Primary School Head, Kim Hutchinson, added: "The investment was both greatly needed and welcomed. The improvements will make a difference to staff and pupils in the short term pending the full rebuild of the primary school, which the Committee announced to our delight in July that it is committed to progressing."

It is also expected that a significant amount of the expenditure – approximately £200k – will act as a long term investment in education facilities. For example furniture, fixtures and equipment can all be re-used. Equally, building elements such as ceilings and light fittings can be removed and re-used across the estate to achieve maximum value for money.

While the vast majority of the work was completed before the start of term, the replacement of lockers for all students suffered a slight delay. However, the lockers were delivered on Friday.

Deputy Matt Fallaize, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said: "I’m delighted that the Committee has been able to deliver on its commitment to provide visibly better working conditions for students and staff.

"For too long students and staff have had to work in unacceptable conditions as a result of consistent under-investment and, while I would never suggest that these short term works are capable of replicating a newly-built school, our Committee could not in good conscience leave the facilities in their previous condition any longer."