Latest news with #ConditionImprovementFund
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brit School receives funds for building repairs
A renowned south London arts school has been awarded government funding to address poor building conditions, including a ceiling collapse. The state of disrepair at the Brit School in Croydon, forced a classroom and changing rooms used by musical theatre students to close, according to the LDRS. The school, known for its showbiz alumni including the singers Adele, Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis, is among more than 70 in London receiving support this year through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). "We are definitely fortunate to receive this funding, said Louise Cooper, chief operating officer at the school. Three decades of Brit: How the school was born The CIF supports urgent repair and maintenance work in smaller academy trusts and voluntary-aided schools. "We have funding for one project which will replace the majority of our main building roof," Ms Cooper said. The school has also received funding for a second project, which will focus on fire safety works. Its site houses five buildings dating from 1909 to 2012, some of which regularly face repair challenges. Ms Cooper said: "In one of our older blocks, part of the ceiling came away recently, and we are going to need to replace that small piece of roof. However, until we do that, the changing rooms for musical theatre are closed, which is severely impacting their work." The funding, announced in late May, is part of a £470m CIF package for 2025–26, up from £423.9m last year, according to the Department for Education. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "This investment is about more than just buildings, it's about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter." Croydon West MP Sarah Jones said it was a "vital" step to ensure schools have safe, modern facilities. "It reflects the government's commitment to education in Croydon," she added. Work at the Brit School and others across London is expected to start over the summer holidays. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Local Democracy Reporting Service Condition Improvement Fund
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bolton teaching union rep says 'more needs to be done' after schools funding boost
A Bolton teaching union leader has welcomed government investment into schools across the borough - but claims "this does not go far enough" to tackle the ongoing funding crisis. The government has announced nine borough schools are to get a slice of £125 million of government funding for essential maintenance via the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF. The funding will go towards maintenance works, such as upgrading defective heating systems, improving fire safety and safeguarding measures. Last month, The Bolton News reported schools across the borough were struggling amid a funding crisis – with staff raising concerns about the future of the profession. Amanda Hulme, who is also the National Association of Headteachers representative for Bolton, said: 'It's great news that this investment is being put into our schools in Bolton to ensure the safety of our children and staff but it does not go far enough. 'There are many more schools in need of urgent repair and the funding crisis remains a real issue across all schools in England.' Caroline Molyneux, headteacher of Sharples High School, which is also receiving support, said: "We previously applied for the funding but this time have been successful, the money will be used towards making sure our students and members of staff are kept safe. "One of the things we need is a new fire alarm, as ours has started to fail, which is a huge concern for us. "We are delighted with the hard work from our members of staff, including our site staff, finance team and the school's business management team. They are the unsung heroes of the school. "A lot of the time people just think of teaching staff when they think about schools, but so much goes into making the school as special as it is behind the scenes too. "Our business manager Cath Pedder has been especially amazing in getting this funding for us, her hard work has been spectacular. "We are delighted to move forward with the funding, which has been planned to go ahead over the next few months." A spokesperson from Washacre Primary Academy School, which has received funding for its fire safety and compliance works to address life safety matters, said: 'We are pleased, following our application, that we have been allocated funding. READ MORE: 'This is indeed a significant boost for our school, and we are grateful for the opportunity to improve our infrastructure. 'The CIF grant will enable us to undertake the necessary refurbishments to ensure our school remains a safe, secure, and inspiring place for learning.' Bolton council leader Cllr Nick Peel welcomes the funding too. He said: "The funding across Bolton schools is great news. "The additional funding is welcome, it's targeted at schools which need these investments the most and is directed at making sure our schools are safe learning environments. "A lot of schools need refurbishment across the country. The last schools rebuilding project was actually put forward by the Labour government. "This money will make sure schools are made safe for children. "We can't underestimate the importance of this money, which will fix the immediate issues in schools across the borough." As well as schools, 42 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed more than £71 million to tackle long-term problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues, helping to prevent thousands of cancelled operations and appointments. Fixing the backlog of maintenance at NHS hospitals will help prevent cancellations, with services disrupted over 4,000 times across England in 2023/24 due to issues with poor quality buildings.
North Wales Chronicle
30-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Schools and hospitals ‘not over hurdle' of unsafe concrete, says minister
Catherine McKinnell also said ministers cannot 'fix everything overnight' when asked how much of the maintenance backlog could be eliminated or when schools would be free of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). The Government has announced that around £1.2 billion – part of funding packages announced in last year's autumn budget – will be spent on repairing crumbling schools and hospitals across the country. Asked about Raac, school standards minister Ms McKinnell told LBC: 'We're not over that hurdle yet, and we're not over it in the NHS either.' She added that 'we have identified all the Raac' and there are plans for buildings to be fixed or rebuilt, because 'the fact that they have Raac in them means that they're probably a substantial age as a building'. More than 100 schools, nurseries and colleges across England were forced to shut down days before the autumn term in 2023 amid concerns that classrooms and other buildings containing Raac were unsafe. Asked on BBC Breakfast on Friday whether she could provide a figure for how much of the £14 billion maintenance backlog would be completed or when schools would be rid of Raac, Ms McKinnell said: 'We are working very hard, but you can't just switch a switch and fix everything overnight.' According to the Government, pupils at 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of this year's £470 million Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), used for projects such as fixing crumbling roofs and removing asbestos. More than 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed £750 million to tackle problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues. Projects to deliver improvements to schools and hospital buildings will be delivered during the 2025/26 financial year, with the first upgrades to begin this summer, the Government has said. A report by the National Audit Office in January estimated it would cost around £13.8 billion to address the repairs and remedial work backlog for hospitals and other NHS properties in England, and an additional £13.8 billion for the school estate.
Leader Live
30-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Schools and hospitals ‘not over hurdle' of unsafe concrete, says minister
Catherine McKinnell also said ministers cannot 'fix everything overnight' when asked how much of the maintenance backlog could be eliminated or when schools would be free of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). The Government has announced that around £1.2 billion – part of funding packages announced in last year's autumn budget – will be spent on repairing crumbling schools and hospitals across the country. Asked about Raac, school standards minister Ms McKinnell told LBC: 'We're not over that hurdle yet, and we're not over it in the NHS either.' She added that 'we have identified all the Raac' and there are plans for buildings to be fixed or rebuilt, because 'the fact that they have Raac in them means that they're probably a substantial age as a building'. More than 100 schools, nurseries and colleges across England were forced to shut down days before the autumn term in 2023 amid concerns that classrooms and other buildings containing Raac were unsafe. Asked on BBC Breakfast on Friday whether she could provide a figure for how much of the £14 billion maintenance backlog would be completed or when schools would be rid of Raac, Ms McKinnell said: 'We are working very hard, but you can't just switch a switch and fix everything overnight.' According to the Government, pupils at 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of this year's £470 million Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), used for projects such as fixing crumbling roofs and removing asbestos. More than 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed £750 million to tackle problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues. Projects to deliver improvements to schools and hospital buildings will be delivered during the 2025/26 financial year, with the first upgrades to begin this summer, the Government has said. A report by the National Audit Office in January estimated it would cost around £13.8 billion to address the repairs and remedial work backlog for hospitals and other NHS properties in England, and an additional £13.8 billion for the school estate.
Rhyl Journal
30-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Schools and hospitals ‘not over hurdle' of unsafe concrete, says minister
Catherine McKinnell also said ministers cannot 'fix everything overnight' when asked how much of the maintenance backlog could be eliminated or when schools would be free of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). The Government has announced that around £1.2 billion – part of funding packages announced in last year's autumn budget – will be spent on repairing crumbling schools and hospitals across the country. Asked about Raac, school standards minister Ms McKinnell told LBC: 'We're not over that hurdle yet, and we're not over it in the NHS either.' She added that 'we have identified all the Raac' and there are plans for buildings to be fixed or rebuilt, because 'the fact that they have Raac in them means that they're probably a substantial age as a building'. More than 100 schools, nurseries and colleges across England were forced to shut down days before the autumn term in 2023 amid concerns that classrooms and other buildings containing Raac were unsafe. Asked on BBC Breakfast on Friday whether she could provide a figure for how much of the £14 billion maintenance backlog would be completed or when schools would be rid of Raac, Ms McKinnell said: 'We are working very hard, but you can't just switch a switch and fix everything overnight.' According to the Government, pupils at 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of this year's £470 million Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), used for projects such as fixing crumbling roofs and removing asbestos. More than 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed £750 million to tackle problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues. Projects to deliver improvements to schools and hospital buildings will be delivered during the 2025/26 financial year, with the first upgrades to begin this summer, the Government has said. A report by the National Audit Office in January estimated it would cost around £13.8 billion to address the repairs and remedial work backlog for hospitals and other NHS properties in England, and an additional £13.8 billion for the school estate.
