Sinfin School, Derby

Early stakeholder engagement and unlocking project value brings positive learning outcomes

EC Harris was appointed in early 2006 following a devastating fire that had destroyed over half of the existing school buildings. The project involved the construction of a new school in the shadow of the existing building within a tight two year timescale.

The deadline was dictated by the two year period during which the School’s insurers were willing to cover the cost of providing Portokabin accommodation as a temporary solution. Our services ranged across project management, cost consultancy, construction design management coordinator, contract management and educational consultancy.

Creating solutions

Our engagement with this project was substantively based on our earlier track record of project managing the successful delivery of a programme of five PFI schools for Derby City Council. Our educational consultancy ensured that the visioning process for the new school fullyengaged the leadership of the school and all other relevant stakeholders. This ensured subsequent buy in and commitment to the project as it developed.

The tight time frame required us to proceed rapidly to a single stage procurement of design and build and the subsequent creation of a strong team ethos within the project team based on open communication and clear project goals. A clear single communication line was established with the school, staff, children and young people and the local authority that ensured any changes to the agreed programme could be discussed and incorporated quickly.

Adding value

The School successfully opened in September 2008 within budget and in line with the agreed programme. Our control of costs and drive of best value procurement control of costs enabled significant additions to be made to the scope of the project within the agreed budget. The additional projects had a collective value of £750,000 and included; enhancements to the vocational training centre, a significant increase in the quantity of fixed furniture, a BMX cycle track, a multi-use games area and open plan toilets - all of which play a significant role in fostering positive behaviours inthe school.

Effective engagement with both the staff and young people throughout the project’s life helped to raise awareness of the complexity of construction projects and highlighted potential careers in the field. The new school has provided a new start, instilled in a pride in going to school with early signs of positive outcomes for the pupils and the broader community.

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