Some repairs at La Mare de Carteret will be delayed until at least October

Tuesday 31 July 2018

The planned programme of maintenance work at La Mare de Carteret primary and high schools is progressing well in most areas - but some of the work won't be finished until the October half term; six weeks after new students have joined the schools.

The Committee for Education, Sport and Culture said the work that will be completed by the end of the summer will "provide students and staff at La Mare de Carteret with a visibly better learning and working environment for the new school year."

That will be a marked improvement for many on what has been available at the school in the past with students learning in facilities which have been described as "not fit for purpose" for some time. 

£700,000 is being spent on the current improvements with ESC President Deputy Matt Fallaize previously admitting that the schools, their pupils and staff had "suffered as a result of under-investment over a number of years. This resulted in the facilities falling below what the new Committee was prepared to tolerate."

Pictured: Deputy Matt Fallaize, who has said that facilities at the La Mare de Carteret schools will see a visible improvement when students resume lessons there this September 

The major refurbishment of the high school’s mobile classrooms was a significant element of the improvements promised by ESC. The committee said this work, which will include new insulation, flooring, heating and ventilation where required, and external works to aid things like drainage, is currently several days ahead of schedule.

Work on tennis courts fencing, replacing external doors and the installation of shelters are also on schedule.

However, the committee has said that; "while the vast majority of the planned improvements will be completed during the summer holidays, as is common with construction projects some issues have been identified since work began that were previously unknown. As such, a few jobs will need to be completed during the October half term. This includes replacing fitted worktop units in an art room and painting the gym hall."

Deputy Richard Graham, Vice President of ESC, has been to see the schools and said the work is progressing well.

"I was able to visit the site last week and was pleased with the progress made. While the Committee is not suggesting that these short term works will rectify all the shortcomings of the school estate at La Mare de Carteret, we committed to the students and teachers that they would see noticeable improvements when they return for the new academic year and I am satisfied these works honour that commitment."

Pictured top: File image of La Mare de Carteret, before the recent improvement works began