Standards for
School Premises
Consultation
Document
1
Contents
1: Introduction 3
2: Background 4
3: We propose to retain and refine the following regulations 6
4: We propose to simplify the following regulations 9
5: We propose removing the following regulations 12
6: Supplementary information 16
7: Protection of playing fields 17
8: Wider Guidance 18
9: Next Steps 19
Annex A: School Premises Regulations –
the new requirements 20
Annex B: Enforcement powers within the Building Act 1984 23
Annex C: Standards for School Premises – Supplementary Information 25
Annex D: The Protection of School Playing Fields and
Land for Academies April 2012 34
Annex E: Guidance on the Design and Management of School Premises 52
Annex F: Possible Restructuring of Guidance 55
3
1: Introduction
1.1
SebastianJames,GroupOperationsDirectorforDixons,ledanindependent
reviewoftheDepartmentforEducation’sapproachtoCapital.Thereview
methodologyincludedextensiveconsultationandacallforevidence.Hisreport
Review of Education Capital: Sebastian James, April 2011 waspublishedon8April
andacopyofthefullreportisavailableontheDepartment’se-consultation
website(www.education.gov.uk/consultations/).
1.2
TheReviewproposesanewapproachtotheallocationanduseofcapitalfunding.
TheDepartmentheldaconsultationontheimplementationoftheReview’s
recommendations,whichclosedonOctober11.
1.3
Oneoftherecommendations,whichtheSecretaryofStatehasacceptedin
principle,forconsultationatalaterstagewas
That the Department revises its school premises regulations and guidance to remove
unnecessary burdens and ensure that a single, clear set of regulations apply to all
schools. The Department should also seek to further reduce the bureaucracy and
prescription surrounding BREEAM assessments.
1.4
ThatpartoftherecommendationconcerningBREEAMassessmentsisbeing
addressedseparately.Thisconsultationaimstoseekviewsonrevisionstothe
regulationsgoverningschoolpremises,andonareductionintheamountof
guidanceproducedbytheDepartment.
4
2: Background
Legislation applying to school premises only
2.1
TheEducationAct1996placesadutyontheSecretaryofStatetoprescribe
standardsforthepremisesofallmaintainedschoolsinEnglandandWales.
ThecurrentstandardsaresetoutintheEducation(SchoolPremises)Regulations
1999(SPRs)andtheyapplytoallexistingandnewschoolsmaintainedbyalocal
authority1.
2.2
Similarly,theEducationAct2002empowerstheSecretaryofStatetoprescribe
standardsaboutthepremisesofindependentschoolsincludingAcademies.
ThesearecoveredbyPart5ofTheEducation(IndependentSchoolStandards)
(England)Regulations2010(ISSs).Part3ofthoseregulationscoversthewelfare,
healthandsafetyofpupilsandincludesastandardonfiresafety.
Legislation applying to different types of buildings,
including schools
2.3
2.4
Thereisasubstantialamountofotherlegislationthatappliestoallbuildings,
includingschools.Ofparticularrelevancehereare:
●
TheHealthandSafetyatWorkAct1974(HSWA);
●
TheWorkplace(Health,SafetyandWelfare)Regulations1992,togetherwith
itsApprovedCodeofPracticeandGuidance(collectively–WRs);
●
TheEqualityAct2010(EQA);
●
TheRegulatoryReform(FireSafety)Order2005(RRFO).
Aswithotherbuildingtypes,developmentsatschoolsareboundbynormal
planningcontrols.Similarly,constructionworkatschoolsissubjecttoapproval
undertheBuildingRegulations2010.
Wider Context
2.5
1
TheHSWA,andtheregulationsmadeunderit(e.g.WR),areaimedatsecuringthe
health,safetyandwelfareofemployees.Theyalsoaimtoprotectothersagainst
riskstotheirhealthandsafety(butnotwelfare)arisingfromtheactivitiesofa
workundertaking.TheHSWAandtheregulationsmadeunderitapplyifany
organisation(includingavoluntaryorganisation)hasatleastoneemployee.
TheRegulationsapplytonursery,community,communityspecial,foundation,foundationspecialandvoluntary
schoolsandtopupilreferralunits.Thepremisesofnon-maintainedspecialschools,andapprovedindependent
schoolssuitablefortheadmissionofchildrenwhohavespecialeducationalneedsmustconformtosomeofthe
standardscontainedwithinthem.
Background
5
2.6
Compliancewiththislegislationwillgoalongwaytowardsensuringthephysical
safetyandwell-beingofpupils.Schoolsalsoneedtoensurethatpremisesare
conducivetoeducation,andthatpupilsareprovidedwithfacilitiestodelivertheir
education(suchasplayingfieldsetc.),ortoensurethatpupils’specificwelfare
needsaremet.Furthermore,wherehealth,safetyandwelfareregulationsrequire
specificfacilitiestobeprovidedforemployeesthatarenotsharedwithpupils,
itdoesnotfollowthatpupilswillbeprovidedwithcomparablefacilities.
Sometimes,ofcourse,theneedsofemployeesandpupilsaredifferent.
2.7
Schoolpremisesregulationsarethereforeneededtoensurethatthespecific
needsofpupilsaremet–particularlyonissuesconsideredtobehighriskbecause
oftheirimpactonwelfare,oroneducation,suchaswashroomfacilities,lighting
andacoustics.However,theydonotneedtoduplicateotherlegislationthat
adequatelycoversparticularareas.Thislogicisfollowedindecidingwhich
existingregulationsareretained,simplifiedorremoved.Whereverpossible,
wheretheyareretained,theyarealsosetoutmoreclearlythanbefore.
2.8
Ourobjectivethereforeistorevokeunnecessaryregulations,streamlinethose
thatremainandproduceone,clearsetofrequirementsforschoolpremisesthat
applytoalltypesofschools.Thisshouldhavetheeffectofminimising
bureaucracyandgreatlyreducingtheburdensonschools.Weexpectthatthe
regulationswillcomeintoforceinApril2012formaintainedschools,and
September2012forindependentschools(alongsideotherchangestotheISSs)
2.9
Theregulationsthatweproposetoretain,simplifyorremovearesetoutbelow.
Ifyoucanidentifythatthereareriskstopupils’welfareoradverseeffectson
educationthroughmakingthesechanges,orifyouthinkthattheycouldbe
expresseddifferently,orthattheproposalsdonotgofarenoughtoremove
unnecessaryregulation,pleaseelaborateintheappropriatecommentsboxes
intheconsultationresponseform.
6
3: We propose to retain
and refine the following
regulations
Acoustics (ISSs & SPRs)
3.1
TheSPRsrequirethateachroomorotherspaceinaschoolbuildingshallhavethe
acousticconditionsandinsulationagainstdisturbancebynoiseappropriatetoits
normaluse,whiletheISSssaythatsoundinsulationandacousticsshouldallow
effectiveteachingandlearning.Goodacousticconditionsareessentialto
education,particularlyforchildrenandyoungpeopleandthosewithhearing
impairments,communicationdifficultiesorforwhomEnglishisasecond
language.Inaschoolwithagoodacousticenvironmentpeoplewillexperience
goodsoundquality(enablingthemtohearclearlyandconcentrateonwhatever
activitytheyareinvolvedin)andminimaldisturbancefromunwantednoise
(suchasfromactivitiesinadjacentareas,ventilationfansorroadtraffic).
Weakeningrequirementsinthisareacouldhaveanadverseimpacton
educationaloutcomesandregulationshouldberetained.
Proposed regulation
Acoustics
The acoustic conditions and sound insulation of the teaching accommodation must
be suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place
therein.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for
acoustics? If not, why not?
Water supplies (ISSs & SPRs)
3.2
TheISSsrequirethatwatersuppliesshouldcomplywiththeprovisionsof
regulation22oftheSPRs.Thisrequiresthatwatersuppliesshouldbeadequate,
wholesomeandincludeasupplyofdrinkingwater,andthathotwatersupplies
tobathsandshowersshouldnotexceed43°C.Theprovisionandaccessibilityof
drinkingwaterforstaffiscoveredbytheWRs,butnootherlegislationcovers
suppliesforpupils.Similarlynootherlegislationcovershotandcoldwater
suppliestopupils’toilets,bathsorshowers,noraddressestherisktochildrenof
scaldingwheretemperaturesarehigherthan43°C.Regulationinthisareashould
thereforeberetained.
Weproposetoretainandrefinethefollowingregulations
7
Proposed regulation
Water supplies
1)
Suitable drinking water facilities must be provided.
2)
The facilities provided under paragraph (1) will not be suitable unless –
(a) they are readily accessible at all times when pupils are on the premises;
(b) they are separate from the toilet facilities; and
(c) the water is wholesome.
3)
Toilets and urinals must have an adequate supply of cold water and washing
facilities must have an adequate supply of hot and cold water.
4)
Cold water supplies that are not suitable for drinking must be clearly marked
as such.
5)
The temperature of hot water at the point of use must not pose a scalding risk
to users.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for water
supplies? If not, why not?
Boarding accommodation (ISSs & SPRs)
3.3
Theseregulationscoversleepingandlivingaccommodation,washrooms,sick
roomsandstaffaccommodation.CurrentlytheISSsrefertotheNationalMinimum
StandardsforBoardingSchools(NMS),whiletheNMS(2011)refertotheSPRsfor
detailedrequirements.Sincerequirementsarenotsetoutelsewhere,regulations
andsupportinginformationonboardingaccommodationshouldberetainedin
somedetailuntiltheNMSarerevised.
Question: Do you agree that in future we should seek to bring the premises
standards for boarding schools into the NMS? If not, why not?
Proposed regulations
Standards for boarding schools
Sleeping accommodation
1)
Suitable sleeping accommodation must be provided for boarding pupils.
2)
Where pupils are aged 8 years or over, sleeping accommodation for boys must
be separate from sleeping accommodation for girls.
8
StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Toilet and washing facilities
1)
S uitable toilet and washing facilities must be provided for boarding pupils,
which must be adjacent to or reasonably accessible from the sleeping
accommodation.
2)
Separate toilet facilities must be provided for boys and girls, except where they
are provided for use by one pupil at a time.
Living accommodation
1)
Suitable living accommodation must be provided for boarding pupils for the
purposes of private study outside school hours and for social purposes.
Accommodation for the preparation and consumption of meals
1)
Suitable accommodation must be provided for the preparation and
consumption of meals by boarding pupils.
2)
Accommodation provided under paragraph (1) may be situated in the main
school provided it is adjacent to or reasonably accessible from the boarding
accommodation.
Sick rooms
1)
Suitable accommodation (including toilet facilities) must be provided in order to
cater for the needs of boarding pupils who are sick or injured.
Staff accommodation
1)
Suitable accommodation (consisting of accommodation in which meals may be
taken, living accommodation and sleeping accommodation) and suitable toilet
and washing facilities must be provided for residential staff, which must be
separate from the accommodation and facilities provided for boarding pupils.
Question: Do you agree that these regulations adequately cover the
requirements for boarding schools? If not, why not?
9
4: We propose to simplify the following regulations Washrooms (ISSs & SPRs)
4.1
Detailedrequirementsforwashroomsrelatedtodifferentagegroupsand
numbersofpupils,includingthenumbersoftoiletsandwashbasins,aresetoutin
regulation3oftheSPRs.TherelevantregulationintheISSsreferstotheSPRsfor
detailedrequirements.Therequirementsforpupilsarenotsetoutinanyother
legislation(theWRsonlycoverwashroomprovisionforstaff)andsothis
regulationshouldberetained.However,thewayitissetoutatpresentlackssome
clarityanditshouldbesimplified.Inaddition,anumberofschoolshaveprovided
toiletsforusebybothmaleandfemalepupilsovertheageof8years,even
thoughthisisnotcurrentlyallowedbytheregulation.Thismirrorswhathappens
inthehomeandothersettingsand,inaschool,canleadtoareductioninthe
overallnumbersrequired.Provisionshouldthereforebemadeforunisextoilets,
ifappropriatelydesigned,inarevisedregulation.
Proposed simplified regulation
Toilet and washing facilities
1)
Subject to paragraph (3), suitable toilet and washing facilities must be provided
for the sole use of pupils.
2)
Separate toilet facilities must be provided for boys and girls aged 8 years or over,
except where they are provided for use by one pupil at a time
3)
Where separate facilities are provided under paragraph (1) for pupils who are
disabled, they may also be used by staff and visitors who are disabled.
4)
Suitable changing accommodation and showers must be provided for pupils
aged 11 years or over who receive physical education.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for toilet
and washing facilities? If not, why not?
Medical facilities (ISSs & SPRs)
4.2
Allschoolsshouldhaveaccommodationforthemedicalexaminationand
treatmentofpupilsandappropriatefacilitiesforpupilswhoareillorinjured.
Thisrequirementisnotcoveredinanyotherlegislation.Inaddition,some
childrenhavelong-termmedicalconditionswhichrequireregularaccessto
privatespacetoenablethemtomanageit,andthisregulationensuresthat
disabledchildrendonothavetogooff-sitetohavetheirneedsmet.Forthese
reasonstheregulationshouldberetained.Currentlytherelevantregulationin
10 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
theISSsreferstoregulation5intheSPRsfordetailedrequirements,butregulation
5lackssomeclarityandshouldbesimplified.
Proposed simplified regulation
Medical accommodation
1)
Suitable accommodation must be provided in order to cater for the medical and
therapy needs of the pupils, including accommodation for –
(a) the medical and dental examination and treatment of pupils; and
(b) the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes or is adjacent
to a toilet facility.
2)
The accommodation provided under paragraph (1) may be used for other
purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used
for its primary purpose.
3)
Where a school caters for pupils with complex needs additional medical
accommodation must be provided which caters for those needs.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for
medical facilities? If not, why not?
Health, Safety and Welfare (ISSs & SPRs)
4.3
Regulation17oftheSPRsrequiresthateverypartofaschoolshallbesuchthat
thehealth,safetyandwelfareofoccupantsarereasonablyassured.Italsocovers
safemeansofescapeincaseoffire.Similarrequirementsarecoveredinthreeof
thepremisesregulationsintheISSs.WhilecompliancewiththeHSWAandWRs
willgoalongwaytowardsensuringthehealthandsafetyofpupilsinschools,it
willdonothingtoensurethattheirspecificwelfareneedsaremet.Regulationin
thisareashouldthereforeberetained,butsimplified.
Proposed simplified regulation
Health, safety and welfare
1)
School premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein must
be maintained to a standard such that, as far as reasonably practicable, the
health, safety and welfare of the pupils is ensured.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for
health, safety and welfare? If not, why not?
Lighting (ISSs & SPRs)
4.4
Bothregulationsrequirethatclassroomsandotherpartsofaschoolshouldhave
lightingappropriatetotheirnormaluse,andtheISSsrefertotheSPRsfor
minimumlevelsofilluminanceandamaximumglareindex.Poorlightingcan
resultinslowerreadinganddiminishedconcentration,affectingchildren’sability
tolearn,andcancauseeyestrainand,inthelongterm,weakenedvision.
Regulationshouldberetainedinthisarea,butsimplifiedtorequirethatlighting
Weproposetosimplifythefollowingregulations 11
levelsareappropriatetosuittheactivitiestakingplace,whilenotprescribingthe
levelorthesourceoflight.
Proposed simplified regulation
Lighting
1)
The lighting in each room or other internal space must be suitable, having
regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.
2)
E xternal lighting must be provided in order to ensure safe entry to and exit from
the school for pedestrians before and after daylight hours.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for
lighting? If not, why not?
External space (ISSs & SPRs)
4.5
Regulation24oftheSPRsrequiresthatteamgameplayingfieldsshallbe
providedwhichsatisfyspecifiedminimumareas(setoutinSchedule2),basedon
pupilnumbersandages.TheISSsrequirethatthereareappropriatearrangements
forprovidingoutsidespaceforpupilstoplaysafely.TheSPRsimposerigorous
standardsforplayingfieldareasthatmaintainedschoolscanfinddifficultto
satisfy.UndertheISSs,AcademiesandFreeSchoolsaretreateddifferently.
Regulationshouldberetainedinthisarea,buttherequirementsshouldbe
simplifiedandtheyshouldapplytoalltypesofschool.Bydoingthisitwillnot
becomeeasiertodisposeofplayingfields.Section77oftheSchoolStandardsand
FrameworkAct1998willcontinuetoprotectschoolplayingfieldsasrobustlyas
itdoesnow,asallapplicationsfordisposalwillrequiretheSecretaryofState’s
consent,includingthoseincircumstancescurrentlycoveredbyageneralconsent.
Proposed simplified regulation
Outdoor space
1)
Suitable outdoor space must be provided in order to enable –
(a) p
hysical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school
curriculum; and
(b) pupils to play outside safely.
Question: Do you agree that this adequately covers the requirements for
external space? If not, why not?
ThenewregulationsarelistedtogetherinAnnex A.
12
5: We propose removing the following regulations Regulations set out in both ISSs and SPRs
Ancillary facilities – food preparation and service 5.1
Bothsetsofregulationsmakereferencetothisarea,thoughtherequirementsare
slightlydifferent.TheISSsrequirethatwherefoodisserved,thereareadequate
facilitiesforitshygienicpreparation,servingandconsumption.TheSPRsrequire
thatthereshouldbeadequatefacilitiesforthepreparationandservingoffood
anddrinks,butdonotmentiondiningspace.Foodhygieneiscoveredbythe
FoodHygiene(England)Regulations2006anddoesnotneedduplicatingin
premisesregulations.Sufficientguidanceonwhatareadequateandappropriate
facilitiesforpreparingandconsumingfoodwillbeprovidedintheareaguidelines
andrevisedguidance,soregulationhereisunnecessary.
Load bearing structures 5.2
Bothsetsofregulationsrequirethatloadbearingstructuresinschoolsaresafe.
Fornewschools,andnewconstructioninschools,thisrequirementisalready
coveredinpartAoftheBuildingRegulations,andmaintainingsuchstructuresin
asafeconditionisadequatelycoveredbytheWRs.Inaddition,theBuildingAct
1984giveslocalauthoritiespowerstodealwithdefectivepremises(Section76)
and(Section77)dangerousbuildings(seeAnnex Bfordetailsofenforcement
powers).Wethereforeconsiderthataschool-specificregulationisunnecessary.
Weather protection 5.3
Bothsetsofregulationsrequirethatschoolbuildingsshouldprovidereasonable
resistancetopenetrationbyrain,snowandwindandtomoisturearisingfromthe
ground.Fornewschools,andnewconstructioninschools,thisrequirementis
alreadycoveredintheBuildingRegulations,andmaintainingbuildingsingood
repairisadequatelycoveredbyRegulation5oftheWRs,Maintenance of
workplace, and of equipment, devices and systems2.Wethereforeconsiderthata
school-specificregulationisunnecessary.
Fire safety and emergency evacuations 5.4
2
3
Firesafetyinschools,includingthefireresistanceofbuildingelementsand
provisionofadequatemeansofescapeincaseoffire,iscoveredinPartBofthe
BuildingRegulations,butmoregenerallybytheRRFO3(ascitedinPart3ofthe
ISSs).ToduplicatetherequirementsoftheRRFOinschoolpremisesregulations
isunnecessary.
5(1)The workplace and the equipment, devices and systems to which this regulation applies shall be maintained
(including cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
Inparticular,Part2Fire Safety Duties.
Weproposeremovingthefollowingregulations 13
Heating 5.5
HeatingandcoolingrequirementsareadequatelycoveredinRegulation7ofthe
WRs,Temperature in indoor workplaces4.TheApprovedCodeofPractice(ACOP)
accompanyingthisregulationsetsminimumtemperaturesforrooms,
differentiatingbetweenthosethataccommodatenormallevelsofactivityandthose
wheremoreactiveworktakesplace(asdotheSPRs),andadvisesonlocalheating
andcoolingwhereneeded.Thereforeaschool-specificregulationisunnecessary.
Ventilation 5.6
VentilationrequirementsareadequatelycoveredinRegulation6oftheWRs,
Ventilation5.TheACOPaccompanyingthisregulationcoversnaturaland
mechanicalventilation,whileassociatedguidanceadvisesonfreshairsupply
ratesandincludesreferencestootherguidanceonventilationrelatedmatters.
Thereforeaschool-specificregulationisunnecessary.
Drainage 5.7
Bothsetsofregulationsrequirethataschoolshouldhaveanadequatedrainage
systemforhygienicpurposesandthedisposalofwastewaterandsurfacewater.
Fornewschools,andnewconstructioninschools,thisrequirementisalready
coveredinpartHoftheBuildingRegulations,andmaintainingdrainagesystems
fromtoiletsinworkingorderisadequatelycoveredbytheWRs.Inaddition,where
drainageis,orbecomesunsatisfactory,Section59oftheBuildingAct1984
empowersalocalauthoritytorequirethebuildingownertomakeasatisfactory
provisionfordrainage.Aschool-specificregulationisthereforeunnecessary.
Question: Do you agree that these regulations, which are common to both the
ISSs and SPRs, can be removed? If not, why not?
Regulations contained in the ISSs only
Security 5.8
ThisregulationrequiresindependentschoolsandAcademiestohaveadequate
securityarrangementsfortheirgroundsandbuildings.Thereisnotsuchaspecific
regulationintheSPRs,thoughtherequirementtoreasonablyassurethehealth,
safetyandwelfareofoccupantsofeverypartofaschoolanditslandinaspects
otherthanfiresafety(coveredelsewhere)isbroadenoughtoincludethesecurity
ofpupils.Webelievethatourrevisedhealth,safetyandwelfareregulationisalso
broadenoughtocoveritandsoaspecificregulationonsecurityisunnecessary.
Shared premises 5.9
4
5
Thisregulationrequiresthatwherethepremiseshousinganindependentschool
arealsousedforother,non-schoolpurposes,thehealth,safetyandwelfareofpupils
aresafeguardedandthattheireducationisnotinterruptedbyotherusers.Aswith
security,webelievethatourrevisedhealth,safetyandwelfareregulationisbroad
enoughtocoverthisandthataspecificregulationonshareduseisunnecessary.
7(1)During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.
6(1)Effective and suitable provision shall be made to ensure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient
quantity of fresh or purified air.
14 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Access 5.10 ThisregulationrequiresindependentschoolsandAcademiestoallowallpupils,
includingthosewithspecialeducationalneedsanddisabilities,toenterandleave
theirschoolsinsafety.Webelievethatthisissueisadequatelycoveredinother
legislation,includingtheWRs,EQA6andRRFO,andthataschool-specific
regulationisunnecessary.
Cleanliness 5.11 IndependentschoolsandAcademiesarerequiredtomaintainclassroomsand
otherpartsoftheschoolinatidy,cleanandhygienicstate.Thereisnoequivalent
requirementformaintainedschools,butRegulation9oftheWRs,Cleanliness and
waste materials7,covermostspacesinschools.Theexceptionswouldbepupils’
washroomsandexternalspace,butthesewillcontinuetoberegulatedunderthe
newpremisesregulations.Thereforeaseparate,school-specificregulationon
cleanlinessisunnecessary.
Standard of decoration 5.12 IndependentschoolsandAcademiesarerequiredtohaveasatisfactorystandard
andadequatemaintenanceofdecoration.Thereisnotasimilarrequirementfor
maintainedschoolsandeventheWRsdonotcoverthis,thoughtheWRsdocover
cleanlinessandcondition.Anyrisktopupilsofremovingthisrequirementis
minimalandthereforeaspecificregulationondecorationisunnecessary.
Furniture and fittings 5.13 ThefurnitureandfittingsinindependentschoolsandAcademiesshouldbe
appropriatelydesignedfortheageandneedsofpupils.Regulation11oftheWRs
coversworkstationsandseatingforemployees8,butthiswouldnotextendto
furnitureandfittingsforpupils.However,thereisnoequivalentrequirementfor
maintainedschoolsandanycaseswherefurnitureandfittingsareso
inappropriateastoriskpupils’healthandsafetywouldbecoveredbytherevised
welfareregulation.Thereforeanyrisktopupilsofremovingthisrequirementis
minimalandaspecificregulationonfurnitureandfittingsisunnecessary.
Flooring 5.14 IndependentschoolsandAcademiesshouldhaveappropriateflooringingood
condition.Thereisnoequivalentrequirementformaintainedschools,butmost
spacesinschoolsareadequatelycoveredbytheRegulation12oftheWRs,
Condition of floors and traffic routes9.Anyrisktopupilsofremovingthis
requirementisminimalandthereforeaspecificregulationonflooringis
unnecessary.
6
7
8
9
Forexample,Schedule10,Accessibility for disabled pupils.
9(1)Every workplace and the furniture, furnishings and fittings therein shall be kept sufficiently clean.
11(1)Every workstation shall be so arranged that it is suitable both for any person at work in the workplace who is likely to work at that workstation and for any work of the undertaking which is likely to be done there.
11(3)A suitable seat shall be provided for each person at work in the workplace whose work includes operations of a kind that the work (or a substantial part of it) can or must be done sitting.
12(1)Every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be of a construction such
that the floor or surface of the traffic route is suitable for the purpose for which it is used.
12(2)(a)the floor, or surface of the traffic route, shall have no hole or slope, or be uneven or slippery so as, in each
case, to expose any person to a risk to his health or safety;
Weproposeremovingthefollowingregulations 15
Size of classrooms
5.15 Classroomsizeshouldbeappropriatetoalloweffectiveteachingandnoareaof
theschoolshouldcompromisehealthorsafety.Therevisedhealth,safetyand
welfareregulation,andtherevisedareaguidelines10,willreasonablyassurethat
thespaceprovidedinschoolsissuchthatnopartofaschoolcompromisesthe
healthandsafetyofpupils.Thisregulation,whichappliestoindependentschools
only,isthereforenolongerneeded.
Question: Do you agree that these regulations in the ISSs can be removed?
If not, why not?
Regulations contained in the SPRs only
Staff accommodation
5.16 Theregulationonstaffaccommodationincludesheadteachers’roomsandspaces
forteacherstoworkin(otherthaninteachingaccommodation)andtosocialise.
Asnotedearlier11,Regulation11oftheWRscoversrequirementsforworkstations
andseatingforstaff.Regulation25oftheWRs,Facilities for rest and to eat meals,
setsoutrequirementsforstaffintheseareas12.TheACOPaccompanying
Regulation25advisesonthesizeofspacesandwhatfurnitureisneededin
generalterms,andonmatterssuchascleanlinessandhygiene.TheWRsdonot
specifythatemployeesshouldhavesecondaryspacestoworkin(forteachers,this
isspaceoutsideoftheclassroom).However,independentschoolsandAcademies
operatesuccessfullywithoutregulationonthatspecificissueandmaintained
schoolsshouldbeabletodothesame.Aspecificregulationonstaff
accommodationisthereforeunnecessary.
Ancillary facilities – storage and circulation 5.17 Thiscoverstheadequateprovisionofappropriateancillaryfacilities,inparticular
forthestorageofpupils’outdoorclothingandotherbelongings,andtopermit
thesafeandconvenientpassageofpersonsandgoodswithinbuildings.
Regulation23oftheWRs,Accommodation for clothing13, coversstaffbutnot
pupils.Regulation17oftheWRS,Organisation etc of traffic routes14,covers
circulationinaschool15andfurtheradviceisprovidedintheareaguidelines.
IndependentschoolsandAcademiesoperatesuccessfullywithoutregulationon
storageandsufficientguidanceisprovidedintheareaguidelinesandother
supplementaryinformation.Specificregulationsonstorageandcirculationare
thereforeunnecessary.
Question: Do you agree that these regulations in the SPRs can be removed?
If not, why not?
10 SeeAnnexF.
11 InFurnitureandfittings.
12 25(1)Suitable and sufficient rest facilities shall be provided at readily accessible places.
25(5)Suitable and sufficient facilities shall be provided for persons at work to eat meals where meals are regularly
eaten in the workplace.
13 23(1)(a)Suitable and sufficient accommodation shall be provided for the clothing of any person at work which is not
worn during working hours.
14 17(1)Every workplace shall be organised in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate in a safe manner.
15 ‘Trafficroute’isdefinedinregulation2oftheWRsasa route for pedestrian traffic, vehicles or both and includes and
stairs, staircase, fixed ladder, doorway, gateway, loading bay or ramp.
16
6: Supplementary
information
6.1
AswiththecurrentSPRs,thenewpremisesregulationswillbesupportedby
guidancethatdescribestheminimumstandards,andadvisesonhowtheycanbe
satisfied.AdraftofthisguidanceissetoutinAnnex C.
Question: Do you agree that the information set out in support of the proposed
regulations is accessible and adequate? If not, why not?
17
7: Protection of playing
fields
7.1
Toensurethatexistingschoolplayingfieldsareprotectedtoprovideforthe
futureneedsofschoolsandtheircommunities,newdraftguidancehasbeen
produced(seeAnnex D).Thisdescribesthemaincircumstancesinwhichlocal
authorities,governingbodies,foundationbodiesandtrusteesneedtoseekthe
consentoftheSecretaryofStateforEducationtodispose,orchangetheuse,of
playingfieldlandusedbyschools.ItalsodescribeshowtheSecretaryofStatewill
assessapplicationsforconsenttodispose,orchangetheuse,ofsuchland.
Question: Do you agree that the information set out in this guidance is
accessible and adequate? If not, why not?
18
8: Wider Guidance
�
8.1
Currentlytherearearound5,500pagesofdepartmentalguidanceonthedesign
andmanagementofschoolpremisesavailableinhardcopyand/oron-line.Some
ofthisisoutofdate,orhasbeensupersededbylaterdocuments,whileother
materialcouldbemuchmoreconcise.
8.2
Theguidanceiscategorisedas–
8.3
●
Regulatory guidance–inadditiontotheguidancesupportingtheSPRsthere
isalsomaterialinthreebuildingbulletinssettingoutrequirementsfor
compliancewithpartsoftheBuildingRegulations,andhowcompliancecan
beachieved.
●
Building Bulletins–designguidancecoveringwholeschool,orelements
ofschools,and/ortechnicalguidance,bestpracticeandcasestudies.
●
Other design guidance–notinthebuildingbulletinsseries.
●
Exemplar designs–schoolsforthefutureandsimilarcasestudies.
●
Managing School Facilities Guides–advicemainlytoexistingschools.
●
Standard Specification, Layouts and Dimensions –coveringanumberof
buildingelements.
●
Asset Management Plans–guidanceonassessingthecondition,suitability
andsufficiencyofbuildings.
Ourobjectiveistoreducesignificantlytheamountofguidanceavailable.Todo
thiswewillwithdrawalldocumentsthatareoflimitedvalueandstreamlinethe
rest(seeAnnex E).Thestreamliningwillinvolverestructuringhowtheguidance
ispresented(seeAnnex Fforapossiblerestructuring).
Question: Which of the current guidance documents do you particularly value
and why?
Question: Do you agree that the proposed streamlining of guidance is
appropriate? If not, why not?
9: Next Steps
9.1
Wewouldwelcomecommentsonthequestionsaskedinthisdocumentby
26 January 2012.
19
20
Annex A: School Premises
Regulations – the new
requirements
School Premises Regulations – the new requirements
Standards for all schools
Toilet and washing facilities
1.
(1) Subjecttoparagraph(3),suitabletoiletandwashingfacilitiesmustbe
providedforthesoleuseofpupils.
(2) Separatetoiletfacilitiesmustbeprovidedforboysandgirlsaged8yearsor
over,exceptwheretheyareprovidedforusebyonepupilatatime.
(3) Whereseparatefacilitiesareprovidedunderparagraph(1)forpupilswhoare
disabled,theymayalsobeusedbystaffandvisitorswhoaredisabled.
(4) Suitablechangingaccommodationandshowersmustbeprovidedforpupils
aged11yearsoroverwhoreceivephysicaleducation.
Medical accommodation
2.
(1) Suitableaccommodationmustbeprovidedinordertocaterforthemedical
andtherapyneedsofthepupils,includingaccommodationfor–
a) themedicalanddentalexaminationandtreatmentofpupils;and
b) theshorttermcareofsickandinjuredpupils,whichincludesorisadjacent
toatoiletfacility.
(2) Theaccommodationprovidedunderparagraph(1)maybeusedforother
purposes(apartfromteaching)provideditisalwaysreadilyavailabletobeused
foritsprimarypurpose.
(3) Whereaschoolcatersforpupilswithcomplexneedsadditionalmedical
accommodationmustbeprovidedwhichcatersforthoseneeds.
Health, safety and welfare
3.
Schoolpremisesandtheaccommodationandfacilitiesprovidedthereinmustbe
maintainedtoastandardsuchthat,asfarasreasonablypracticable,thehealth,
safetyandwelfareofthepupilsisensured.
SchoolPremisesRegulations–thenewrequirements 21
Acoustics
4.
(1) Theacousticconditionsandsoundinsulationoftheteachingaccommodation
mustbesuitable,havingregardtothenatureoftheactivitieswhichnormallytake
placetherein.
Lighting
5.
(1) Thelightingineachroomorotherinternalspacemustbesuitable,having
regardtothenatureoftheactivitieswhichnormallytakeplacetherein.
(2) Externallightingmustbeprovidedinordertoensuresafeentrytoandexit
fromtheschoolforpedestriansbeforeandafterdaylighthours.
Water supplies
6.
(1) Suitabledrinkingwaterfacilitiesmustbeprovided.
(2) Thefacilitiesprovidedunderparagraph(1)willnotbesuitableunless–
a) theyarereadilyaccessibleatalltimeswhenpupilsareonthepremises;
b) theyareseparatefromthetoiletfacilities;and
c) thewateriswholesome.
(3) Toiletsandurinalsmusthaveanadequatesupplyofcoldwaterandwashing
facilitiesmusthaveanadequatesupplyofhotandcoldwater.
(4) Coldwatersuppliesthatarenotsuitablefordrinkingmustbeclearlymarked
assuch.
(5) Thetemperatureofhotwateratthepointofusemustnotposeascaldingrisk
tousers.
Outdoor space
7.
Suitableoutdoorspacemustbeprovidedinordertoenable–
a) physical
educationtobeprovidedtopupilsinaccordancewiththeschool
curriculum;and
b) pupilstoplayoutsidesafely.
Standards for boarding schools
Sleeping accommodation
8.
(1) Suitablesleepingaccommodationmustbeprovidedforboardingpupils.
(2) Wherepupilsareaged8yearsorover,sleepingaccommodationforboys
mustbeseparatefromsleepingaccommodationforgirls.
22 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Toilet and washing facilities
9.
(1) Suitabletoiletandwashingfacilitiesmustbeprovidedforboardingpupils,
whichmustbeadjacenttoorreasonablyaccessiblefromthesleeping
accommodation.
(2) Separatetoiletfacilitiesmustbeprovidedforboysandgirls,exceptwhere
theyareprovidedforusebyonepupilatatime.
Living accommodation
10.
Suitablelivingaccommodationmustbeprovidedforboardingpupilsforthe
purposesofprivatestudyoutsideschoolhoursandforsocialpurposes.
Accommodation for the preparation and consumption of meals
11.
(1) Suitableaccommodationmustbeprovidedforthepreparationand
consumptionofmealsbyboardingpupils.
(2) Accommodationprovidedunderparagraph(1)maybesituatedinthemain
schoolprovideditisadjacenttoorreasonablyaccessiblefromtheboarding
accommodation.
Sick rooms
12.
Suitableaccommodation(includingtoiletfacilities)mustbeprovidedinorderto
caterfortheneedsofboardingpupilswhoaresickorinjured.
Staff accommodation
13.
Suitableaccommodation(consistingofaccommodationinwhichmealsmaybe
taken,livingaccommodationandsleepingaccommodation)andsuitabletoilet
andwashingfacilitiesmustbeprovidedforresidentialstaff,whichmustbe
separatefromtheaccommodationandfacilitiesprovidedforboardingpupils.
23
Annex B: Enforcement
powers within the Building
Act 1984
Non-compliance with the Building Regulations
ContraventionoftheBuildingRegulationsisacriminaloffenceandactionmaybe
takenbyalocalauthorityunderSection35oftheBuildingAct1984,againsta
personwhocontravenesthem.Ifconvicted,thatpersonisliabletobefinedupto
£5,000foreachoffenceandmayalsohavetopayadailyfineifthedefault
continuesafterconviction.
Section36oftheBuildingActallowsalocalauthoritytoserveaNoticerequiring
theownerofthepremises:(a)topulldownorremoveanyworkcontraveningthe
Regulationsor(b)tobringtheworkintocompliancewiththeRegulations.
Dangerous structures
LocalauthoritiesinLondonhavestatutorydutiestodealwithdangerous
structuresundertheLondonLocalAuthoritiesAct2000,andtheLondonBuilding
Acts(Amendment)Act1939,toensurethat:
●
Allstructureswithintheirboundarieswhichareconsidereddangerousare
madesafewiththeshortestpossibledelay;
●
Anydemolitionworkiscarriedoutsafelyandthatadjacentproperties,
ifaffected,aremadesafe.
Moregenerallyacrossthecountry,Section77(Dangerousbuildings)ofthe
BuildingAct1984enableslocalauthoritiestoapplytoaMagistrate’sCourtforan
orderrequiringtheownertomakeabuildingsafeortodemolishit.Iftheowner
failstocomply,thelocalauthoritycancarryouttheworksandreclaimthe
expenses,whichmaythenberegisteredasalocallandcharge.
Defective premises
Section76oftheBuildingAct1984giveslocalauthoritiespowerstodealwith
defectivepremises(premisesconsideredtobeinastatethatisprejudicialto
healthorcausesanuisance)wheretherewouldbeanunreasonabledelayin
remedyingthedefectivestatebyfollowingtheproceduresprescribedbySection
80oftheEnvironmentalProtectionAct(EPA)1990(‘Statutorynuisances’).
24 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Thelocalauthoritymayserveonthepersonwhowouldhavereceivedan
abatementnoticeundertheEPA,anoticestatingthattheLAintendstoremedy
thedefectsandrecovertheexpensesincurred.
Enforcements
InalloftheabovecasesitwouldnormallybetheBuildingControlDepartment
ofalocalauthoritythatcarriedouttheenforcementprocedures.
25
Annex C: Standards for
School Premises –
Supplementary
Information
Overview
Thisguidancedescribesandadvisesoncomplyingwiththepremisesregulations
foralltypesofschoolsinEngland.
Background
TheEducationAct1996placesadutyontheSecretaryofStatetoprescribe
standardsforthepremisesofallmaintainedschoolsinEnglandandWales.The
previousstandardsweresetoutintheEducation(SchoolPremises)Regulations
1999(SPRs)andtheyappliedtoallexistingandnewschoolsmaintainedbyalocal
authority16.
Similarly,theEducationAct2002empowerstheSecretaryofStatetoprescribe
standardsforthepremisesofindependentschools,whichincludesAcademies
andFreeSchools.ThesewerecoveredbyPart5ofTheEducation(Independent
SchoolStandards)(England)Regulations2010(ISSs).
Whiletherecontinuetobetwosetsofschoolpremisesregulationsinplace,they
arenowidenticalandapplytoalltypesofschool.Thisguidancesetsouthowto
complywiththeseregulations,andthereforealsoappliestoalltypesofschools.
Standards for all schools
Toilet and washing facilities
Suitabletoiletandwashingfacilitiesmustbeprovidedforthesoleuseofpupils,
havingregardtotheirage,number,sexandanyspecialrequirementstheymay
have.Wherethefacilitiesarefordisabledpupils,theymayalsobeusedbystaff
andvisitorswhoaredisabled.
16 TheRegulationsapplytonursery,community,communityspecial,foundation,foundationspecialandvoluntary
schoolsandtopupilreferralunits.
26 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Separate toilet facilities for male and female pupils
Schoolsmusthaveseparatetoiletfacilitiesformaleandfemalepupilsaged8or
over.Exceptionsmaybemadeforfacilitiesfordisabledusersandforunisextoilets
–thosewhicharedesignedtobeusedbyonepersonatatimeandhavedoors
thatcanbesecuredfromtheinside.
General planning
Toiletfacilitiesneedtobeplannedanddesignedsothat:
a) washingfacilitiesareprovidedwithinorintheimmediatevicinityofevery
toilet;
b) theroomscontainingthemareadequatelyventilatedandlit;
c) theyarelocatedinareasaroundtheschoolthatprovideeasyaccessfor
pupils,andallowforinformalsupervisionbystaffwithoutcompromising
pupils’privacy.
Facilities for disabled pupils
Eachtoiletfordisabledpupilsshouldcontainonetoiletandonewashbasin,and
possiblyashowerorotherwashdownfitting,andhaveadooropeningdirectly
ontoacirculationspace(otherthanastaircase)whichcanbesecuredfromthe
inside.
Wherepossible,thenumberandlocationofaccessibletoiletsshouldbesufficient
toensureareasonabletraveldistanceforusers,avoidingchangingfloorlevels.As
aguide,amaximumtraveldistanceof20-25metresisrecommendedforschools.
Changing accommodation and showers for pupils
Changingaccommodation,includingshowers,mustbeprovidedforpupilsaged
11yearsandoverwhoparticipateinphysicaleducation.Showersshouldbe
separatefromtoiletsandprovideadequateprivacy.Considerationshouldalsobe
giventoprovidingchangingrooms,withorwithoutshowers,forpupilsyounger
than11whoneedtowearsportskitforphysicaleducation.
Toilets and washing facilities for staff
Toiletsandwashingfacilitiesforstaff17maybealsobeusedbyvisitors.They
shouldbeseparatefromthoseprovidedforpupils,exceptwheretheyare
designedforusebythosewhoaredisabled.
Medical accommodation
Therequirementsformedicalandtherapyroomsallowpupilsthatareillor
injuredtobelookedafterappropriately,andfortherapytobeofferedtothose
withspecialeducationalneedsordisabilitieswhoneedit.Inmainstreamschools
thismayinvolvetheinputofavisitingphysiotherapist,whileinspecialschoolsa
rangeoffacilitieswilltypicallyberequiredtosuitdifferenttherapyoptions.
17 Regulations20and21oftheWorkplace(Health,SafetyandWelfare)Regulations1992setoutthestandardsfor
stafftoiletsandwashingfacilities.
StandardsforSchoolPremises–SupplementaryInformation 27
Schoolsshouldhave,asaminimum,accommodationfor:
●
medicalordentalexaminations,eyetestsandtreatmentofpupils(e.g.SEN
therapy),containingawashbasin;
●
theshort-termcareofsickorinjuredpupils,witheasyaccesstoatoilet,such
asasickbayclosetothemainofficeandreception.
Thisaccommodationcanbeusedforotherpurposes,exceptteaching,solongas
itisreadilyavailableformedicalusewhenneeded.
Sometherapycantakeplaceinateachingspaceorinasmallquietroom,suchas
anoffice.Aschoolcateringforchildrenwithcomplexneedswillalsoneedto
provideanurse’sroomandaphysiotherapyroom,whilesometherapiesrequire
aspeciallyequippedroom18.Somespecialneedspupilswillrequireaccesstoa
hydrotherapyorwarmwaterpool.
Health, safety and welfare
Schoolpremises,thatisaschool’sbuildingsandgrounds,shouldbemaintained
toasufficientstandardsuchthat,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thehealth,
safetyandwelfareofthepupilsusingthemisensured.Incomplyingwiththis
regulation,regardshouldbehadtotheprovisionsofallpremises-related
legislationincluding,butnotlimitedto19:
●
TheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974;
●
TheManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations1999;
●
TheWorkplace(Health,SafetyandWelfare)Regulations1992;
●
TheControlofAsbestosRegulations;
●
TheBuildingRegulations.
SchoolsmustalsocomplywiththeRegulatoryReform(FireServices)Order2005
toensurethattheyhaveadequatefireprecautionsinplacetoallowthesafe
escapeofalloccupantsincaseoffire.
The internal environment
TheWorkplace(Health,safetyandWelfare)Regulations1992requireschoolsto
belit,heatedandventilated,cleanedandmaintainedtoareasonablestandard.
Inaddition,theBuildingRegulationsincludestandardsforheating,ventilation,
lightingandacousticsandfortheconservationoffuelandpower.
18 Specialistadviceshouldbesoughtonthis.
19 ForanoverviewofallthecompliancerequirementsforpublicbuildingsseeComplianceMonitoringinLocal
AuthorityPremisesavailableatwww.fedps.org.uk
28 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Pupils with special educational needs
TheEqualitiesAct2010requiresallschoolstoprepareandimplementan
accessibilitystrategytoimprovethephysicalenvironmentoftheschoolforpupils
withdisabilitiesandspecialeducationalneeds(SEN).Thisshouldinclude
considerationoftheirparticularhealthandsafetyneedsontheschoolpremises
andhowthesecanbemet.
Acoustics
Inaschoolwithagoodacousticenvironment,peoplewillexperience:
●
goodsoundquality–enablingpeopletohearclearly,understandand
concentrateonwhateveractivitytheyareinvolvedin;
●
minimaldisturbancefromunwantednoise(suchasfromactivitiesinadjacent
areas,teachingequipmentsuchasdataprojectors,ventilationfansorroad
traffic).
Inclassrooms,classbasesandotherareasusedforteaching,thiswillallow
teacherstocommunicatewithoutstrainingtheirvoices.Insometypesofspaces,
suchasmusicrooms,recordingstudios,open-planareasandroomswherepupils
withhearingimpairmentaretaught,thereareadditionalrequirementsthatmay
requirehigheracousticstandardsthanthosefornormalclassbases.
Acoustic conditions
IncomplyingwiththeSchoolPremisesRegulationonacoustics,regardshould
behadto Acoustic design of schools [toberevisedin2012;linktobeinserted].
ThisreplacesSection1ofBB93andsetsoutperformancestandardsintermsof:
1.
adequate sound insulation of internal walls and floorstominimise
disturbancefromsoundgeneratedinadjacentareas;
2.
ppropriate reverberation times (RT) to suit the teaching and other
a
activities planned to take place in each space.Reverberationtime
measureshow‘echoey’aparticularroomis.ArelativelyshortRTisneeded
inmostteachingandlearningspacesnotonlytoensurethatspeech,
includingteachers’voices,isclearlyheardandunderstood,butalsoto
controlthebuild-upofoccupancyspeechnoise.Somespaces,forexample
sometypesofmusicroom,requirealongerRT;
3.
s uitable indoor ambient noise levels to enable clear communication.
Apartofthewaytoachievethisistominimisedisturbancefromexternal
noisebyensuringadequatesoundinsulationofthebuilding.Suitable
indoorambientnoiselevelswillvarydependingontheactivitytakingplace.
Somenoisesensitiveactivities,suchaslisteningtomusicorlearninga
language,arelesstolerantofbackgroundnoise,asareroomsusedfor
teachingpupilswithhearingimpairmentandsomeotherspecial
educationalneeds;and
StandardsforSchoolPremises–SupplementaryInformation 29
dequate speech intelligibility in open plan areastoavoiddisturbance
a
fromadjacentactivitiesandtoensurethatthewantedspeechcanbe
understood.
4.
RequirementE420willbesatisfiedifperformancestandards1-3aremet.School
buildingsaresubjecttodetaileddesignchecksbyBuildingControlBodiesto
ensurecompliancewiththisrequirement.Itisrecommendedthatacoustictests
arecarriedoutonanynewschoolaccommodationtodemonstratethat
performancestandards1to3aremet21.
Management issues
Goodmanagementisneededtoensurethattheacousticsofeacharearemains
suitableforitsuse.Forexample,alackofmaintenancecanleadtodeterioration
inacousticconditions.
Pupils with special educational needs
Pupilswithspecialneedsmayneedtobetaughtinspaceswithlowernoiselevels
andshorterreverberationtimesthaninmainstreamclassroomsandclassbases.
SpecialschoolsandSENunitsinmainstreamschoolsthereforerequiredesigning
toahigheracousticstandard.Wherepupilswiththesespecialneedsaretaughtin
mainstreamschools,theacousticsofthespaceswheretheyaretaughtmayneed
tobeenhancedtothesamestandardsasthoseinspecialunits.Provisionwill
usuallyberequiredtoteachthesepupilsinsmallergroupssothatambientnoise
fromotherpupilsisloweranddistancebetweenteacherandpupilisminimised.
Lighting
Lightingshouldbesuitablefortheactivitieswhichtakeplaceineachspace.
Toachievethis,regardshouldbehadto:
●
achievingadequatelightlevels,includinglightingoffacesforgoodvisual
communication;
●
givingprioritytodaylightinallteachingandlearningspaces,circulation,staff
officesandsocialareas;
●
providingadequateviewstotheoutsideorintothedistancetoensurevisual
comfort;
●
providinglightingcontrolsthatareeasytouse;
●
providingmeanstocontroldaylightandsunlight,toavoidglare,excessive
internalilluminanceandsummertimeoverheating;
●
providingexternallightingtoensuresafepedestrianmovementafterdark;
●
floodlightingoutdoorsportsareas;
●
providingemergencylightinginareasaccessibleafterdark.
20 FromPartEofschedule1toTheBuildingRegulations2000(asamended)
21 GoodPracticeGuideforacousticTestingofSchools,AssociationofNoiseConsultants,2011.
30 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Lighting for pupils with special educational needs
Pupilswithspecialeducationalneeds,includingvisualimpairmentandother
disabilities,mayhaveadditionallightingrequirements22andspecialistadvice
shouldbesought.Keypointsinclude:
●
colourandcontrast,whichcanhelppeoplelocatedoorsandtheirhandles,
stairsandsteps,switchesandsocketoutlets,etc;
●
glareshouldbeavoided(includingfromhighglossfinishesthatcanappearas
glaresourceswhentheyreflectbrightlights);
●
useoflightsourcessuchashighfrequencyfluorescentluminairestoavoid
subliminalflickerthatcaninduceepilepticfitsinsusceptiblepupils;
●
largeareasofglazingshouldbeclearlymarkedtoavoidaccidents23.
●
additionallocaltasklightingmaybeneeded.
Water supplies
Drinking water
Drinkingwaterfacilitiesmustnotbelocatedintoiletsandshouldbemaintained
ingoodworkingorderandkeptclean.Drinkingwatersuppliesshouldbeclearly
marked,thewatermustbewholesomeandpupilsshouldhaveaccesstoit
wheneverneeded.
Tankedsuppliescanbedifficulttomaintainingoodcondition,andsoitis
generallypreferableifdrinkingwatersuppliesinschoolscanbeconnected
directlytothecoldwatermainwhereverpossible.
Water supplies for other uses
Toiletsandurinalsshouldhaveanadequatesupplyofcoldwaterandwashbasins,
sinks,bathsandshowersshouldhaveanadequatesupplyofhotandcoldwater.
Hotwatertemperaturesatthepointofusemustnotposeascaldingrisktousers.
Generallythismeansthatforbathsandshowers,andinallcaseswherethe
occupantsareseverelydisabled,thehotwatershouldnotbeabove43°C.Itisalso
goodpracticetolimithotwatersuppliestowashbasinsinnurseryandprimary
schoolsto43°C.
DistributiontemperaturesandlegionellacontrolsshouldcomplywithHSE
guidanceonmanaginglegionellainhotandcoldwatersystems–
http://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/legionella.htm
Outdoor space
Outdoorspacemustbesuitableforpupilstoparticipateinphysicaleducation,
inaccordancewiththeschoolcurriculum,andtoplayoutsidesafely.Itsdesign
shouldhaveregardtotheirages,numbers,sexandanyspecialrequirementsthey
mayhave.
22 Building Sight,PeterBarker,JonBarrick,RodWilson,RNIB,ISBN0117019933,HMSO,1995.
23 BuildingRegulationsADN,Glazing–safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning,applies.
StandardsforSchoolPremises–SupplementaryInformation 31
School site
Schoolsshouldmakebestuseoftheiravailableoutdoorspaceinordertodeliver
thePhysicalEducationcurriculum,andtoprovideasafeenvironmentforpupilsto
playsafely.
Off-site provision
Someschoolswillberestrictedbytheirenvironment,forexamplewheresufficient
outdoorspaceissimplynotavailableinordertodeliverthecurriculum,orto
allowpupilstoplaysafely,andtherearenoviableoptionsavailabletoexpandthe
schoolsite.Inthosecircumstancesschoolsshouldensurethatpupilshaveaccess
tosuitableoff-siteprovision,takingintoaccountlessonplanningandtraveltimes,
andcurriculumrequirements.
Curriculum
PhysicalEducationmustbeprovidedinaccordancewiththeschoolcurriculum.
Thismaybeachievedbyacombinationofon-siteandoff-sitefacilities,together
withappropriatetimetablingforPEclasses,bearinginmindthepupil’sages,
number,sexandanyspecialrequirementstheymayhave.
School playing fields
Playingfieldsatmaintainedschoolsareprotectedundersection77ofthe1998
SchoolStandardsandFrameworkAct
Standards for boarding schools
Sleeping accommodation
Aschoolmustprovidesufficientsleepingaccommodationforallofitsboarding
pupils.Thismaybeintheformofdormitories,sharedbedrooms,sharedstudy
bedroomsandsinglestudybedrooms,andislikelytovaryaccordingtoage.
Pupilsaged8andovermustnotsharesleepingaccommodationwithpupilsof
theoppositesex.Althoughtheregulationdoesnotprohibitboysandgirlsaged
lessthan8fromsharingsleepingaccommodation,providingmixed
accommodationisnotrecommended.
Toilet and washing facilities
Boardingschoolsshouldhavetoiletandwashingfacilitieswhicharereasonably
accessiblefromthesleepingaccommodationandwhichsuittheages,sexand
numbersofboardingpupilsandanyspecialrequirementsthattheymayhave.
Theymustbeinappropriatelocationstosuittheirusebyboardersandtakeinto
accountthesafeguardingneedsofchildrenaccessingandusingthesefacilities.
Boardingpupilsmaybemorevulnerableoutsidenormalschoolhoursbecause
staffinglevelsarelowcomparedtodaytimeprovision,orbecausestaffmaynot
bewithintheimmediatevicinityofallpartsofallroutestothesefacilities.
32 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Asageneralguide,onetoiletshouldbeprovidedforeveryfiveboardingpupils
andonewashbasinforeverythree.Thereshouldbeatleastonebathorshower
forevery10boardingpupils.
Toiletsandwashingfacilitiesprovidedforpupilsthatarenotpartoftheboarding
accommodationmaybecountedtowardstheminimumnumbersoffittingstobe
providedforboarders,iftheyarereasonablyaccessiblefromthesleeping
accommodationandareinanappropriatelocationwithregardtotheprivacyand
safetyofboardingpupils.
Living accommodation
Aboardingschoolmustprovideboardingpupilswithlivingaccommodation
whichincludesspaceforprivatestudyoutsidenormalschoolhoursandspacefor
socialuse.Thefollowingroomsorspacesmaybetakenintoaccountasliving
accommodation:
●
studybedrooms,wheretheseformsomeorallofthesleeping
accommodation;
●
partofthemainschoolaccommodation,ifthisisadjacenttoboarding
accommodationandifitissuitableforuseaslivingaccommodationby
boardingpupilsoutsideschoolhours.
Socialareassuchascommonrooms,gamesroomsandtelevisionroomsmaybe
countedaslivingaccommodation,asmayareassetasideforprivatestudyoutside
schoolhours.Otherareasinwhichpupilssocialisealsocount.Thesewillvaryfrom
schooltoschool,butmayincludekitchenswherepupilspreparehotdrinksor
snacksandotherinformalmeetingareas.
Sick rooms
Aboardingschoolmustprovide:
●
oneormoresickrooms;
●
oneormoreseparateisolationroomsifithasmorethan40boarders;
●
associatedfacilitiessuchastoilets,washbasins,baths,andshowers.
Exceptionsmaybemadeforschoolsinwhichallboardingpupilshaveindividual
bedrooms,aslongastherequirementsoftheNationalMinimumStandardsfor
BoardingSchoolsStandard3,“Boarders’HealthandWellbeing”,arecomplied
with.
Inaschoolwithbothmaleandfemaleboardersaged8orolder,separatesick
roomsmustbeprovidedforboysandgirls.
Staff accommodation
Accommodationprovidedforresidentialstaffmustbeseparatefromthat
providedforboardingpupils.
StandardsforSchoolPremises–SupplementaryInformation 33
Heating and ventilation
Heatingsystemsshouldbecapableofmaintainingthefollowingminimum
temperatures24:
●
forwashroomsandsleepingaccommodation,15°C;
●
forlivingaccommodation,18°C;
●
forsickroomsandisolationrooms,21°C.
Sleepingandlivingaccommodation,sickroomsandisolationroomsmusthave
ventilationcontrollableatarateofatleast3litresoffreshairpersecondforeach
ofthemaximumnumberofpersonstheareawillaccommodateinnormaluse.In
addition,thoseareasshouldbecapableofbeingventilatedatthehigherrateof
8litresoffreshairpersecondforeachofthosepersons.Allwashroomsshould
becapableofbeingventilatedatarateofatleast6airchangesanhour.
Other relevant legislation
RegardshouldbehadtoStandard5,“BoardingAccommodation”,oftheNational
MinimumStandardsforBoardingSchoolsor,whereapplicable,toStandard5of
theNationalMinimumStandardsforResidentialSpecialSchools.
24 Tobemeasuredataheightof0.5mabovefloorlevelwhentheexternaltemperatureis-0.1°C
34
Annex D: The Protection
of School Playing Fields
and Land for Academies
April 2012
Overview
ThisGuidancedescribesthemaincircumstancesinwhichlocalauthorities,
governingbodies,foundationbodiesandtrusteesneedtoseektheconsentofthe
SecretaryofStateforEducationtodispose,orchangetheuse,ofplayingfieldland
usedbyschools.ItalsodescribeshowtheSecretaryofStatewillassess
applicationsforconsenttodispose,orchangetheuse,ofsuchland.
Action
Toensurethatexistingschoolplayingfieldsareprotected.
Further information
Enquiriesandapplicationformsshouldbeaddressedto:
SchoolsAssetsTeam
PartnershipsforSchools
Room36,LowerGroundFloor
MowdenHall
StaindropRoad
Darlington
CoDurhamDL39BG
Tel(01325)392136
E-Mail:schools.assets@partnershipsforschools.org.uk
FurtherinformationcanbefoundontheDepartment’swebpages.
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 35
Summary
�
1.
ThisGuidance,whichsupersedesGuidance:The Protection of School Playing Fields
and Land for Academies (2007),setsouttheSecretaryofState’spolicytostopthe
unjustifieddisposalofschoolplayingfields.TheGuidancesetsouthowthe
SecretaryofStatewillassessapplicationsforconsenttodisposeoforchangethe
useofsuchland.TheGuidance:
●
clarifiestheprotectiongiventoplayingfieldsoverallwhilereducing
bureaucraticburdenswherepossible;and
●
ensuresthatanyproceedsarisingfromthesaleofplayingfieldsatoperating
maintainedschoolsarere-investedlocallywiththespecificagreementofthe
SecretaryofState.
2.
LocalauthoritiesandschoolscontinuetorequiretheSecretaryofState’swritten
consentbeforetheycansell,ordisposeinanyway,orchangetheuseofplaying
fieldsusedbyschools.ThisGuidanceensures,whereadisposalofaschoolplaying
fieldtakesplace,thatanyproceeds(includingbenefitsinkind)realisedareusedin
accordancewiththeSecretaryofState’spriorconsent.Thesemeasuresunderline
theGovernment’sintentiontosupportlocalismandflexibilityandreduce
bureaucracy,whilstcontinuingtoprotectschoolplayingfields.
3.
ThisGuidancecoversthecircumstancesinwhichlocalauthoritiesneedtoseek
theconsentoftheSecretaryofStateforEducation(DfE)todisposeofschool
playingfieldland.Italsocoversthedisposalofplayingfieldsbycertainschool
bodies.TheGuidancedescribesthefollowinglegislationwhichprovidesforthese
circumstances:
a) Section77oftheSchoolStandardsandFrameworkAct1998(SSFA)as
amendedbySchedule4totheEducationandInspectionsAct2006
4.
Section77SSFA,asamended,protectsschoolplayingfieldsusedbymaintained
schoolsinthelast10years.Localauthorities,schoolgoverningbodies,foundation
bodies,and,incertaincircumstances,trusteesnowneedtoobtaintheSecretary
ofState’sconsentbeforetheydispose,orchangetheuse,ofschoolplayingfields.
Whereanareaofplayingfieldlandhasnotbeenusedbyafoundation,trustor
voluntaryschooloranyofitspupilsforeducationalorrecreationalpurposesfora
periodofmorethan10years,itsdisposalwouldfalltobeconsideredunderthe
sameproceduresthatapplytonon-playingfieldlandsetoutinSchedule22SSFA
asamendedbySchedule4oftheEducationandInspectionsAct2006.
5.
Aplayingfieldisanylandintheopenairwhichisprovidedforthepurposesof
physicaleducationorrecreation.Thedisposalofschoolplayingfieldsat
maintainedschoolsrequirestheSecretaryofState’sconsentunderbothunder
section77oftheSchoolStandardsandFrameworkAct1998asamended,and
underSchedule35AtotheEducationAct1996asamendedbySchedule7tothe
EducationAct2002.
6.
Schedule35Aprotectsland,includingplayingfields,usedbycommunityor
countyschoolsatanytimewithin8yearsprecedingthedateofdisposalwhere
thatlandisneededforanAcademy.Localauthoritiesarenowrequiredtoobtain
36 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
theSecretaryofState’sconsentbeforetheydisposeofsuchland.Inthiscase,
disposalincludestheappropriationoflandforotherpurposes.Whereitis
proposedtochangetheuseoflandprotectedbySchedule35A,localauthorities
areunderadutytoinformtheSecretaryofStateoftheirproposals.Local
authoritiesdonotneedconsentunderSchedule35AorSection77wheretheland
inquestionisbeingmadeavailableinordertoestablishanAcademy.Applications
underSection35Ashouldbemadeto***currentlyunderreview–(EFA)
7.
ThisGuidancedoesnotinfluenceanyrequirementtosecureplanningpermission,
oraffecttheproceduresforapplyingforplanningpermission.Theplanning
permissionprocessisaseparateprocessconcernedwiththedevelopmentofland,
includingschoolplayingfields,whilesection77SSFAsafeguardsschoolplaying
fieldsagainstindiscriminatedisposalorchangeofuse.EducationMinistersdonot
haveanystatutorypowerstoinfluenceanyfuturedevelopmentofland;thisis
strictlyamatterforthelocalplanningauthority.
The Legal Framework
Section 77
8.
Section77(1)oftheSSFA,asamendedbythe2006Act,appliestothedisposalof
playingfields(playing field is defined in section 77(7) of the SSFA as ‘land in the open
air which is provided for the purposes of physical education or recreation’) by
●
alocalauthority(includingaparishcouncil);
●
thegoverningbodyofamaintainedschool;
●
afoundationbody;or
●
thetrusteesofafoundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecialschool;
andsection77(3)appliestocertainchangesofuseofplayingfieldsby
●
alocalauthority,bodyortrusteestowhomsubsection(1)applies;
where,inthecaseofbothdisposalsandchangesofuse,theplayingfields
●
areusedbyamaintainedschool(includingamaintainednurseryschool)for
thepurposesoftheschool;or
●
havebeenusedbyamaintainedschoolforthepurposesoftheschoolatany
timeduringthepreceding10years.
Subsections(1)and(3)applyinrelationtothetrusteesofafoundation,voluntary
orfoundationspecialschoolonlyiftheplayingfieldlandinquestionhasbeen
acquiredorenhancedatpublicexpense.
9.
Thedisposalofnonplayingfieldlandorpropertybyfoundation,foundation
specialandvoluntaryschoolsiscoveredbySchedule22totheSSFAasamended
bythe2006Act.
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 37
Changes of use
10.
Section77(3),asamended,providesthat,withoutthepriorconsentofthe
SecretaryofState,nolocalauthority,governingbody,foundationbody,or
trusteesofafoundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecialschoolmay:
‘takeanyaction...whichisintendedorlikelytoresultinachangeofuseofany
playingfields...wherebytheplayingfieldswillbeusedforpurposeswhichdonot
consistoforincludetheiruseasplayingfieldsbyamaintainedschoolforthe
purposesofthatschool.’
11.
So,forexample,alocalauthoritymaynotchangetheuseofplayingfieldstoa
localauthorityresidentialhome,withoutpriorconsentundersection77.
Schedule 35A
12.
Paragraphs2–6ofSchedule35Aapplytothedisposalorappropriationofany
landatcommunityorformercountyschools,includingbuildingsandplaying
fields,byalocaleducationauthoritywherethatlandhasbeenusedwhollyor
mainlyforsuchaschoolinthelast8years.Paragraph7ofSchedule35Aplacesa
dutyonlocalauthoritiestoinformtheSecretaryofStateofanyproposalsto
changetheuseofland,whichhasbeenusedbyacommunityorcountyschoolin
theeightyearsprecedingthedateofdisposal,insuchawaythatitcannolonger
beusedforthepurposesofaschool.
13.
Paragraph3ofSchedule35AprovidestheSecretaryofStatewithpowersto
compulsorilypurchasethelandandtotransferittothepromotersofthe
Academywherelandisdisposedof,orappropriated,withoutpriorconsentandto
repudiateoptionandcontracttodisposeagreements.WheretheSecretaryof
Stateexerciseshispowersofcompulsorypurchaseheisentitledtorecovercertain
costsfromtheauthority.
Matters for which consent is not required
14.
ThepriorconsentoftheSecretaryofStateundersection77isnotrequiredwhere:
●
consentisrequiredunderlegislationrelatingtothecompulsorypurchase
ofland;
●
alocalauthority,governingbody,foundationbody,ortrusteesofa
foundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecialschoolchangetheuseofaschool
playingfieldandthelandbecomesusedinconnectionwiththeprovisionby
thatlocalauthority,governingbody,foundationbody,ortrusteesofa
foundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecialschoolofeducationalfacilitiesfor
amaintainedschooloranyrecreationalpurposes
●
thelandinquestionislandinrespectofwhichtheSecretaryofStatehasgiven
ageneralconsent(seeAnnexB‘Section77Generalconsents’)
●
thedisposalisinpursuanceofatransferorderunderparagraphA23of
Schedule22,asamended;
●
thedisposalisonetowhichparagraph5or6ofSchedule22(disposalson
discontinuance)applies.
38 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Changes of use not covered by Section 77
15.
Section77(4)providesthatchangesofusebyalocalauthorityarenotcoveredby
section77wherethelandinquestion,afterthechangeinuse,becomesused‘in
connectionwiththeprovisionbyalocalauthority,governingbody,foundation
body,ortrusteesofafoundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecialschoolof
educationalfacilitiesforamaintainedschooloranyrecreationalfacilities.’
16.
Alocalauthority,governingbody,orfoundationbodymay,therefore,build
permanentclassroomsorinstallmobileclassroomsonplayingfieldswithoutthe
needforconsentundersection77,ortheymightbuildanindoorleisurecentre,
whetherforusebytheschool,bythecommunityorbyboth.However,where
proposalsinvolvethegrantingofaleasetopartofaschoolplayingfieldto,say,
adistrictcouncilsothattheycanbuildajointusesportscentre,theSecretaryof
State’sconsentisrequiredundersection77becausetheproposalinvolvesa
disposal.
17.
Alocalauthority,governingbody,foundationbody,ortrusteesofafoundation,
voluntaryorfoundationspecialschoolmayalsoprovideaccessroadsand
footpaths,includingcyclepaths,forthepurposesofamaintainedschoolwithout
theneedforconsentundersection77.However,thechangeofuseofplaying
fieldsinordertocreatefacilitiesforparentstosetdownandpickuppupilsbycar
isnotexemptfromsection77.
18.
Thesale,leaseortransferofplayingfieldstothirdparties,suchashousing
associations,withaviewtoprovidingaccommodationforkeyworkersisa
disposalwhichrequiresconsentundersection77.
Wales
19.
Section77andSchedule35A,togetherwiththisGuidance,applyonlytoschools
inEngland.
Applications criteria
Overview
20.
Asapreconditionofapplyingforhisconsent,theSecretaryofStateexpects
applicantstopresentevidencethattheyhaveexploredallreasonableoptions
priortomakinganapplicationtodisposeofplayingfields,particularlyat
operatingschools. Inthecaseofapplicationsfromgoverningbodies,trustees
andfoundationbodies,theapplicantwillneedtoprovideevidencethatitslocal
authorityhasnoobjectiontothedisposaloftheplayingfieldland.
Unused school playing fields 21.
TheDepartmentwishestoencouragelocalauthorities,governingbodies,
foundationbodies,ortrusteesoffoundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecial
schoolstoconsiderarrangementswherebyunusedplayingfieldscouldbe
maintainedbyotherlocalorganisationsandmanagedtobenefittheirlocal
communities.Examplesofsuchlocalorganisationscouldbedistrictorparish
councilsorlocalsportsorganisationsorclubs.
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 39
Closing and closed school sites
22.
Whenaschoolsitebecomessurplustorequirementseitherasaresultofclosure,
amalgamationorconsolidation,considerationmaybegiventothedisposal,or
changeofuse,oftheplayingfieldsprovidedforit.Wherethereiscommunityuse
ofsuchplayingfields,theapplicantwillneedtodemonstratetotheSecretaryof
Statethattheirproposalshavetakenthatuseintoaccountandthatreasonable
alternativearrangementshavebeenoffered.
Section 77 criteria 23.
TheSecretaryofStatehasundertakentopublishcriteriaagainstwhichdecisions
onapplicationstodispose,ortochangetheuseof,schoolplayingfieldswillbe
taken.Applicationstodispose,orchangetheuse,ofschoolplayingfieldswillonly
beconsideredincircumstancesthatfulfilthesecriteria,whicharedetailedbelow.
The curriculum
24.
Applicationsforconsenttodisposeofschoolplayingfieldsshouldgiveadetailed
assessmentoftheimpactoftheproposalontheprovisionofthecurriculum,and
demonstrateclearlyhowthecurriculumwillbemetshouldconsentbegiven.
Forexample,whereanalternativeplayingfieldisproposedwhichisoff-site,the
effectofadditionaltravel-timewillhavetobetakenintoaccount.
Community use
25.
TheSecretaryofStatewilltakeintoaccountcommunityuseofschoolplaying
fieldsandexpectsapplicantstotakeintoaccountafterschoolactivitiesand
out-of-hoursclubs.Applicantsshouldalsobeabletodemonstratethat,where
proposalsincludeapermanentlossofplayingfields,anyexistingafterschool
activitieswillnotbeadverselyaffected.Onlyauthorisedusersofschoolsfacilities
shouldbetakenintoaccount,whetherornotsuchauthoriseduseiscoveredby
formalorinformalagreements.
26.
Wherecurrentcommunityuserswouldbedisplacediftheproposalwere
implemented,theSecretaryofStateexpectstheapplicationtoincludeafull
accountoftheeffectonthoseusers:inparticular,whethertheiractivitiescan
realisticallybemovedtoanalternativesiteontermswhichdonotadversely
affectthem.Applicantsshould,inanyevent,bepreparedtopresentareasoned
argumentwhyconsentshouldbegrantedwhererealisticalternativevenues
cannotbeprovided.
Finance
27.
Applicationsundersection77mustsetouttheproposedfinancialimplications,
includingtheintendeddestinationofanyexpectedproceeds,orbenefits,which
theSecretaryofStatewillexpecttobeusedtowardsspecificcapitalprojectsto
improveandinvestasneededlocally.Applicationsforconsentshouldprovidean
assurancethatproceedswillberingfencedforspecificeducationalinvestment,
althoughinexceptionalcircumstancesanargumentmaybemadefornoneducationalinvestment.Allapplicationsshouldincludeavaluationreport
preparedbythedistrictvaluer,orbyaprofessionalqualifiedvaluer.
40 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Equal opportunities
28.
Proposalstodisposeofschoolplayingfieldsshouldtakeintoaccounttheneeds
ofpupilswithdisabilities.Suchproposalsshouldensurethataccessbyspecial
educationneedspupilstosports,recreation,andsocialareasisnotadversely
affected.
Schedule 35A criteria
29.
Schedule35AisconcernedonlywithprotectinglandneededforAcademies
includingFreeSchools.WhereconsenttodisposeoflandunderSchedule35Ais
withheld,itwillbebecausetheSecretaryofStatereasonablybelievesthatthe
landcouldbeusedforthepurposesofanAcademy.Eachapplicationwillbe
consideredonthisbasis.
Consultation 30.
TheSecretaryofStateexpectsprospectiveapplicantstoconsultfullyontheir
proposalspriortoapplyingforconsentundersection77,andtobeopenabout
theirproposals.Applicationsshould,ingeneral,beopentoscrutinyondemand
bythelocalcommunityandotherconsultees.TheSecretaryofStatewouldexpect
aconsultationperiodofnotlessthan6term-timeweeks.
Scope
31.
32.
TheSecretaryofStatefurtherexpectsthatprospectiveapplicantswillbe
consulted,inparticular:
●
theHeadteacher,governingbodyandparentsofpupilsattendingtheschool
inquestion;
●
anygroupororganisationwithpermissiontousetheplayingfield,whetherby
virtueofaformalagreementorotherwise;
●
thelocalcommunitygenerally(perhapsthroughanewspapernotice);
●
anyminorauthorityinwhoseareatheplayingfieldissituated;
●
thelocalauthority,wheretheproposalisbeingmadebyagoverningbodyor
foundationbodyortrustees;and
●
thelocalauthorityinwhoseareatheplayingfieldissituated,ifthatisdifferent
fromthelocalauthorityintendingtodispose,ortochangetheuse,ofthe
playingfield.
TheSecretaryofStatewouldexpecttoseeevidencethattherelevantgroupshave
beenconsultedandtheresultsofthoseconsultations.
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 41
Part IV – Applying for consent
Making an application
33.
Applicationsforconsentshouldbemadeusingtheappropriateuptodate
Departmentalform,obtainablefromtheSchoolsAssetsTeam(detailsonthefront
ofthisGuidanceorfromtheDepartment’sInternetsiteatxxx.(Proposals are
currently under consideration for one application to cover s35A, s77 and
general consent notifications, reducing bureaucracy on schools & LAs and
streamlining the process. This guidance will, when process agreed, cover all).
Processing Section 77 applications
34.
TheSchoolsAssetsTeamisresponsibleforprogressingtheassessmentofall
applicationsagainstpublishedcriteria.Officialswillliaisewithapplicantsto
ensurethatallnecessaryinformationisavailabletoallowtheSecretaryofState
tomakeadecision.
35.
Allapplicationsarereferredtoanindependentadvisorypanelknownasthe
SchoolPlayingFieldsAdvisoryPanel.ThePanelispurelyadvisoryandhasno
decision-makingorexecutivefunction.ItcomprisesrepresentativesofFieldsin
Trust,theSport&RecreationAlliance,LearningthroughLandscapes,theNational
AssociationofHeadTeachers,andtheLocalGovernmentAssociation.TheChair
ofthePanelisappointedbytheSecretaryofStatetoactasanimpartial,
independentChairman.ThepurposeofthePanelistoprovidetheSecretaryof
Statewithindependentobjectiveadviceontheextenttowhicheachapplication
todispose,orchangetheuse,ofschoolplayingfieldsmeetsthepublished
criteria.TheexistenceofthePanelrendersitunnecessaryforapplicantsto
consultanyoftheseorganisationspriortoapplication.
Telecommunications masts
36.
Thesitingoftelephonemastsandtheirbasestationsonschoolplayingfieldsare
disposalsthatarecoveredbysection77.Auditscarriedoutbythe
RadiocommunicationsAgencyofmobilephonebasestationslocatedatornear
schoolsshowthatthelevelofemissionsrangesfromseveralhundredtomany
thousandsoftimeslessthanthoserecommendedinguidelinessetoutbythe
InternationalCommissiononNon-IonizingRadiationProtection(ICNIRP).
37.
TheDepartmenthas,therefore,establishedapolicythattheinstallationof
telecommunicationsmastsandotherequipmentwillnotnormallybepermitted
onschoolplayingfieldsunless:
●
thepriorapprovalofplanningconsenthasbeenobtained,thusdemonstrating
thattheproposalscomplywithICNIRPguidelines;and
●
itisclearlydemonstratedthattheproposalsenjoythesupportofasignificant
majorityofparentsofpupilsattheschoolaffected.
Consultationundertheplanningprocessrequiresonlythatproposalshavethe
supportoftheschool’sgoverningbody.
42 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Annex A
Background – legislation
Playing fields
1.
Section77SSFA,assubsequentlyamendedbytheEducationandInspectionsAct
2006,protectsschoolplayingfieldsbyrequiringlocalauthorities,governing
bodiesofmaintainedschools,foundationbodiesandthetrusteesofafoundation,
voluntaryorfoundationspecialschooltoobtainthepriorconsentoftheSecretary
ofStatebeforedisposing,orchangingtheuse,ofaschoolplayingfield.
2.
Inthecaseoflandheldbythetrusteesofafoundation,voluntaryorfoundation
specialschooltherequirementtoobtaintheSecretaryofState’sconsentappliesto:
a. anylandacquiredundersection60,61or70oftheEducationAct1996,
b. anylandacquiredunderanyofthefollowing:●
paragraph2ofSchedule3;
●
paragraph16ofSchedule6(includingthatprovisionasappliedbyany
enactment);
●
paragraph5(4B)(d)ofSchedule4tothe2006Act;
●
anyregulationsmadeunderparagraph5ofSchedule8,
c. anylandacquiredunderanyofthefollowing:
●
paragraph4or9ofSchedule3;
●
paragraph20ofSchedule6(includingthatprovisionasappliedby
anyenactment),
d. anylandacquiredunderanyofthefollowing:●
paragraph8(5)ofSchedule8totheEducationAct2002;
●
paragraph14(5)ofSchedule10totheEducationAct2005;
●
paragraph28(2)or31(1)ofSchedule2totheEducationandInspections
Act2006(includingthatprovisionasappliedbyanyenactment);
●
anyregulationsmadeundersection24ofthatActbyvirtueofsubsection
(3)(b)ofthatsection,
e. anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlybymeansof
expenditureincurredonoraftertheappointeddayforthepurposesofthe
schoolandtreatedbythelocaleducationauthorityasexpenditureofa
capitalnature,
f. anylandacquiredfromtheFundingAgencyforSchools,
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 43
g. anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlybymeansof:
i)
anymaintenance,specialpurposeorcapitalgrant(withinthemeaning
ofChapter6ofPart3oftheEducationAct1996),or
ii) anygrantpaidundersection216(2)ofthatAct,
h. anylandacquiredwhollyorpartlywiththeproceedsofdisposalofanyland
acquiredorenhancedinvalueasmentionedinparagraphforg,
i. anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlybymeansofany
grantmadeinpursuanceofaspecialagreement(asdefinedbysection32(5)
oftheEducationAct1996),
j. anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlybymeansofany
grantmadeonorafter1stApril2007bytheSecretaryofStateunder
paragraph5ofSchedule3(includingthatprovisionasappliedbyany
enactment)inrelationtowhichnoticeisgiveninaccordancewithparagraph
A27ofthe2006Act,or
k. anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlywiththeproceeds
ofdisposalofanylandacquiredorenhancedinvalueasmentionedin
paragraphj.
3.
TherequirementtoobtaintheSecretaryofState’spriorconsentalsoappliesin
thecaseofthetrusteesofafoundationorfoundationspecialschoolto:
a. anylandacquiredbythetrusteesfromthegoverningbodyoftheschoolor
ofanotherfoundationorfoundationspecialschoolwhichwasland:
(i) acquiredbythegoverningbodyunderatransferundersection201(1)
(a)oftheEducationAct1996,
(ii) a cquiredbythegoverningbodyunderanyoftheprovisionsmentioned
insub-paragraph(1)(b)orunderparagraph8AofSchedule4tothe
20006Act,or
(iii) acquiredbythegoverningbody,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartly
withtheproceedsofdisposaloflandacquiredasmentionedin
sub-paragraph(i)or(ii),or
b. anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlywiththeproceeds
ofdisposalofanylandacquiredasmentionedinparagraph(4)(b)above.
4.
TherequirementtoobtaintheSecretaryofState’spriorconsenttothedisposal
orchangeofuseofschoolplayingfieldbythetrusteesofavoluntaryschoolalso
appliesto:a. anylandacquiredbythetrusteesfromthegoverningbodyoftheschool
whichwaslandacquiredbythegoverningbody:
(i) underatransferundersection201(1)(a)oftheEducationAct1996,or
44 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
(ii) whollyorpartlywiththeproceedsofdisposalofanylandsoacquired,
andtransferredbythegoverningbodytobeheldontrustbythe
trustees,or
b. inthecaseofavoluntaryaidedschoolwhichwas,immediatelybeforethe
appointedday,acontrolledschoolwithinthemeaningoftheEducationAct
1996,anylandacquired,orenhancedinvalue,whollyorpartlybymeansof
expenditureincurredundersection63or64oftheEducationAct1996.
Differences between Section 77 and Schedule 35A
5.
Thepurposeofsection77istoprotectschoolplayingfieldsagainstindiscriminate
disposalorchangeofuse,byrequiringthepriorconsentoftheSecretaryofState
beforedisposalorchangeofusemaytakeplace.ThepurposeofSchedule35A,
however,istoensurethatwherethereisaneedforanAcademytobeestablished,
landismadeavailable.
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 45
Annex B
Section 77 and Schedule 35A
Section 77 general consents
Closed/closing school sites
1.
Hardplayandsocialareasatclosedschoolsnormallyhavenofurtheruse.
TheDepartmentconsidersthat‘hardplay’areasdonotincludeareaswithan
all-weathersurface,ortarmacgamescourtsprovidedsolelyfortheplayingof
teamgames.
2.
Ageneralconsenthasbeengiventothedisposalorchangeofuseofhardplay
areas,socialareas,andotherancillarysocialandrecreationorhabitatareasthat
surroundthebuildingsatclosedorclosingschoolsiteswhere:
●
thelocalauthoritycansatisfytheSecretaryofStatethattheareasinquestion
arenotneededbyotherschoolsthatmayshare,orborder,theschoolsite.
Easements, wayleaves and temporary disposal or change of use
Easement
3.
Easementsandwayleavesarethemeansthroughwhichorganisationssuchas
utilitiessecuretemporaryaccessinordertocarryoutmaintenanceandrelated
workstotheservicestheyprovide.Suchaccesswillnot,ofitself,constitutea
threattoplayingfieldprovision.Ageneralconsenthasthereforebeengivento
thegrantingofeasementsandwayleavesbyalocalauthority,governingbodyor
foundationbody.
Temporary disposal or change of use
4.
Thereareoccasionswhentemporaryaccessisneededoverschoolplayingfields
tocompleteconstructionworkon,oradjacentto,theschoolsite.Suchtemporary
accessmightbegrantedintheformofashortleaseorothercontractual
agreementthatwouldresultinthetemporarychangeofuseofpartofaplaying
field.TheSecretaryofStatehasagreedtograntageneralconsenttothe
temporarydisposalorchangeofuseofschoolplayingfieldprovidedthat:
●
theleaseortemporarychangeoruseisfornolongerthanonecalendaryear,
and
●
heisre-assuredthattheschoolisstillabletodeliverthecurriculum,and
●
thelandisrestoredtoatleastthesameconditionthatitwasbeforehand.
Areas of land less than 50m²
5.
Onsomeoccasions,itisnecessaryfororganisationssuchasutilitiestorequire
morethantemporaryaccess.Insuchcases,aneasementisinsufficientandaccess
canonlybeguaranteedbymeansofaleaseoroutrightpurchase.Theamountof
landrequiredisnotusuallysignificant,therefore,ageneralconsenthasbeen
giventothedisposalofareasoflessthan50m²wheresuchlandisrequiredfor
highwaypurposes,healthandsafetyreasonsorbyoneoftheutilities(water,gas,
46 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
electricity).Theconstructionoftelecommunicationmastsandassociated
equipmentonschoolplayingfieldsisnotintendedtobecoveredbythisgeneral
consent.Theerectionofsuchequipmentisdealtwithatparagraphs36and37.
Certain disposals where playing fields will remain as playing fields
6.
Therecanbeoccasionswhenalocalauthority,governingbodyorfoundation
bodywishtoleaseortransferplayingfieldstoanorganisationwiththeexpress
intentionthatthatorganisationwillmaintainthemasplayingfields.Suchalease
ortransfer(whichwillbeadisposal)fallswithinthescopeofsection77,buta
generalconsenthasbeengiven,providedthat:
●
theconstitutionofthereceivingorganisationobligesthatorganisationto
maintainthemasplayingfields,orthetermsoftheleaseortransferagreement
requirethatorganisationtomaintainthemasplayingfields,foratleast10
years,or
●
thetransferorleaseistoalocalauthorityandthereceivingauthorityhasgiven
anundertakingthattheplayingfieldswillcontinuetobeusedasschool/
communityplayingfieldsforatleast10years,and
●
inbothcasesthetermsofthedisposalagreementprovidethatanyschoolor
communityusergroupusingtheplayingfieldsimmediatelybeforethe
transfermaycontinuetodosoforatleast10yearsfollowingthedateofthe
disposal,duringwhichtimetheywillhaveaccesstotheplayingfieldsforthe
sameperiodsandonthesame,ormorefavourable,termsastheydidbefore
thedisposal,and
●
theprincipalpurposeofthereceivingorganisationisnottomakeaprofitfrom
commercialsportsschemes.
7.
Theintentionhereistohelpimproveplayingfieldfacilitiesandtomakeplaying
fieldsmorewidelyavailabletolocalcommunitiestherebypromotingsocial
inclusion.Itisnotintendedthattransfersorleasesmadeunderthisgeneral
consentwillbemadetocommercial,profitmakingorganisationswhopropose
tochargecommercialratesfortheuseoftheirfacilities.Suchtransfersorleases
aresubjecttothefullapplicationprocedurerequiredundersection77.
8.
TheSecretaryofStateagreesthatageneralconsentshouldbegrantedwherethe
disposalinvolvesthegrantingofaleaseholdinterestinthewholeschoolsite,
includingtheplayingfields,tofacilitateanagreementunderaPrivateFinance
Initiative,providedthereisnonetlossofschoolplayingfield.
Exchanges
9.
Therecanbeoccasionswhenspecificplayingfieldswouldbesold,ortheiruse
changed,inreturnforwhichalternativeplayingfieldswillbeprovided.Insuch
instances,theneedsofschoolsandtheircommunitiesmaybeprovidedforjustas
generouslyasbeforeand,inthesecircumstances,theSecretaryofStatetakesthe
viewthatnothingwouldbegainedbysubjectingthedisposaltoscrutiny.But,in
otherinstances,theplayingfieldstobeprovidedinplaceoftheoriginalones
mightbeavailabletotheschoolorauthorisedlocalcommunityusersonless
generoustermsthanthosebeinglost.So,forexample,aschoolandits
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 47
communitypartnerswhichpreviouslyhadexclusiveuseofitsformerplaying
fieldsmighthavetosharethereplacementplayingfields.TheSecretaryofState
wishestoexerciseflexibilitywherethiscanbejustifiedand,therefore,drawsa
distinctionbetweenarrangementsgivingtheschoolanditslocalcommunitythe
samerightofaccesstothereplacementplayingfieldsastheyhadtotheoriginal
ones,andthosearrangementsthatdonot.
10.
TheSecretaryofStatealsodrawsadistinctionbetweenexchangesthatreplace
schoolplayingfieldswithnewlycreatedplayingfieldsandthosewherebyexisting
playingfieldsaretobemadeavailableforschools’use.Forexample,itisnot
intendedthatplayingfieldsatanoperatingschoolmaybesoldunderthisgeneral
consentbecausetheschoolwillbegivenexistingplayingfieldsatanearbyclosed
schoolortheshareduseofotheralreadyexistingplayingfields.
11.
Inreferringto“newlycreatedalternativeplayingfields”theSecretaryofState
meanslandthathasnotbeenusedpreviouslyasschoolplayingfield.For
example,itcouldbeabrownfieldsiteoritcouldbenewlyacquiredagricultural
land.
12.
TheSecretaryofStatewishestobesatisfiedthatthelocationofthereplacement
playingfieldissuchthatschoolscanrealisticallyhavethesameaccessthatthey
previouslyenjoyed.Forexample,hewouldquestionwhetheraschoolcouldenjoy
thesameaccesstoaremote,off-siteplayingfieldasareplacementforanon-site
playingfield.
13.
Thereisalsoaneedtotakeintoaccountthoseoccasionswhereanauthoritymay
retaintheplayingfieldsofaschoolthathasbeenclosedforanumberyearsand
nowwishestoestablishnewschoolplayingfieldsatanalternativesite.Ifnewly
createdplayingfieldsareprovidedatthenewsite,whichatleastreplicatethe
areaofplayingfieldattheold,closedsite,itwouldseemsensibletotreatthe
matterasanexchange.
14.
Ageneralconsent,therefore,isgiventothedisposal,orchangeofuse,ofschool
playingfieldswhere,uponthatdisposalorchangeofuse,anyschoolwhichused
theoriginalplayingfieldsinthesixmonthsimmediatelybeforethedisposalwill
havemadeavailabletoitnewlycreatedalternativeplayingfields,providedthat
thereplacementplayingfields:
●
areofatleastthesameareaastheoriginalplayingfields,and
●
areimmediatelyavailabletoanysuchschoolforatleastthesameperiodsand
onthesame,ormorefavourable,termsastheoriginalplayingfieldshadbeen
andhavethesameorbetterfacilities,and
●
thelocationissuchthattheschoolisabletocarryoutthecurriculumtoat
leastthesameextentasontheoriginalplayingfield,and
●
thereisnoreductionintheamountortypeofsportsprovisioncurrently
availabletotheschool.
48 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Disposal or change of use of playing fields used only temporarily for school purposes
15.
Thereisadifferencebetweenplayingfieldsprovidedprimarilyforschools’use,
andplayingfieldsusedbyschoolsonlyoccasionally.Section77mightbe
misinterpretedtomeanthatitappliestoplayingfieldsusedbyschools
temporarily.TheSecretaryofStateseesnoneedtoregulateplayingfieldsunder
section77wherethesearenotprovidedprimarilyforschoolsandwheretheydo
notconstitutepartofaschool’snormalplayingfieldprovision.
16.
Ageneralconsenthas,therefore,beengiventothedisposal,orchangeofuse,of
playingfieldsnotprimarilyprovidedforschoolpurposeswheretheyareusedonly
temporarilybyschoolswhentheirnormalplayingfieldswereunavailable.Forthe
purposesofthisgeneralconsent,theDepartmentisoftheviewthat‘temporary
use’wouldbeinterpretedtobe:
●
usedforamaximumofthreeschooltermsduringthelasttenyearsasa
school’smainteamgameplayingfield;
●
usedwhiletheschool’sownplayingfieldsweretemporarilyunavailablefor
reasonsoutsidethecontroloftheauthority,foundationorgoverningbodyas
thecasemaybe;
or
●
usedonlyoccasionallybyschoolstosupplementtheirmain,normalplaying
fields.Forthepurposesofthisgeneralconsent,theDepartmentisoftheview
that‘occasionaluse’wouldbeinterpretedtobeaninformalusewithoutprior
agreements.
Disposals under paragraphs 8 and 9 of Schedule 3 and paragraphs 16 and 20 of Schedule 6 to the SSFA
17.
Paragraphs8and9ofSchedule3andparagraphs16and20ofSchedule6tothe
SSFA(or,before1September1999,sections68and70oftheEducationAct1996)
givelocalauthoritiesthepowertoassistthegoverningbodyofanaidedschool
andthepromotersofnewvoluntaryandfoundationschools.Wherethat
assistanceconsistsoftheprovisionofanypremisesfortheuse,orforthe
purposes,ofaschool,thelocalauthoritymustconveytheirinterestinthose
premisestothetrusteesoftheschoolor,wheretherearenotrustees,tothe
foundationbody,whichthenmustholdthosepremisesontrustforthepurposes
oftheschool.Giventhatthelocaleducationauthorityisunderastatutorydutyto
conveytheirinterest,theSecretaryofStatebelievesthatspecificconsentunder
section77isunnecessary.Ageneralconsentthereforehasbeengiventodisposals
ofschoolplayingfieldsinthesecircumstances.
Information required
18.
Theeffectofageneralconsentisthat,wherethecircumstancesdescribedapply,
andwhereanyconditionsaremet,thespecificpriorconsentoftheSecretaryof
Statewillnotberequiredundersection77.Therelevantbodyistodecide
whetherthedisposal,orchangeofuse,meetsthecircumstancesandcriteriaset
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 49
outintheConsentorderandprovidetheDepartment(EFA)withthefollowing
details:
a. thedate(ortheproposeddate)ofthedisposalorthechangeofuse;and
b. anexplanationastowhythebodythinksthatthedisposal,orchangeofuse,is
coveredbyageneralconsent;and
c. aplanclearlyshowingtheareainquestioninrelationtothewholeofthe
schoolsite;and
d. wherethedisposalorchangeofuseisatanoperatingschool,theviewsofthe
headteacherandgoverningbodyoftheschoolor,inthecaseofan
applicationbyafoundationorvoluntaryschool,theschool’smaintaininglocal
authority.
Schedule 35A general consents
Easements
19.
Easementsaretemporaryaccessinordertocarryoutlimitedworkforshort
periods.Thistypeofaccesswillnot,ofitself,constituteathreattothepossible
provisionofanAcademyonasite.Ageneralconsenthasthereforebeengivento
thegrantingofaneasementoverland.
Areas of less than 50m² 20.
Sometimesaneasementisinsufficientandaccesscanonlybeguaranteedby
meansofaleaseoroutrightpurchaseofquitesmallareasoflandthatwouldnot
threatentheprovisionofanAcademy.Therefore,ageneralconsenthasbeen
giventothedisposalofareasoflessthan50m²wheresuchlandisrequiredforthe
purposesofconstruction,maintainingorservicingahighway,healthandsafety
reasonsorenablingprovisiongas,waterorelectricity.
Disposals connected with leases under a PFI agreement
21.
Wherethedisposalisthegrantingofaleaseholdinteresttomakepossiblean
agreementunderthePrivateFinanceInitiative,theSecretaryofStateseesno
needforaformalapplication.Thereforehegivesconsenttothegrantingofa
leaseholdinterestinthelandifitistofacilitateanagreementunderaPFIscheme.
Disposals under paragraph 9 of schedule 3 to the SSFA 22.
Inordertofulfilitsdutyunderparagraph9toSchedule3oftheSSFA,the
SecretaryofStategiveshisconsenttotransfertoavoluntaryaidedschoolany
premiseswhichtheauthorityisprovidingtothatschoolbywayofassistance.
50 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Annex C
Definitions provided in the SSFA, 2002 and 1996 Acts
1.
Section77andSchedule35AuseanumberoftermsthattheSSFAandthe2002
and1996Actsdonotdefine.Thefinalinterpretationofthesetermsisamatter
exclusivelyforthecourts,butguidanceisofferedbelow.WheretheSSFAorthe
1996Actdoprovideadefinitionforthetermsusedinsection77andSchedule
35Awehave,foreaseofreference,reproducedthosedefinitionshere.Wealso
givetheDepartment’sviewofcertaintermsusedforthepurposesofthis
Guidance.
Playing fields
2.
Section77(7)oftheSSFAdefinesplayingfieldsas
‘landintheopenairwhichisprovidedforthepurposesofphysicaleducationor
recreation,otherthananyprescribeddescriptionofland’
3.
TheDepartment’sviewisthatphysicaleducationorrecreationmeansteam
games,non-teamgames,informalandsocialactivitiesandthestudyor
enjoymentofthenaturalenvironment.
4.
TheDepartmenttakestheviewthat,forthepurposesofsection77,schoolplaying
fieldsinclude:
5.
●
grass pitches and artificial surface pitchessetoutfortheplayingofsports
●
hard surface games courts includingmulti-gamescourts,tenniscourts,
netballcourtsandhardpavingmarkedoutforgames;
●
informal and social areas,includinggrassedareas,pavedareas(including
playgrounds),outdoorseatingandteachingareasincludingrestandquiet
areas;
●
marginal areas, aroundtheedgesofplayingfieldsforrun-offandtoallowfor
thecyclicalrealignmentofpitches;
●
habitat areas, setasidefortheformalteachingofnatureorinformal
curriculumpurposes,includingmeadowland,wildlifehabitats(including
ponds),gardens,naturetrailsandoutdoorscienceareas.
●
local authority parklandorotheropenspacethatisused,orhasbeenusedin
thelasttenyears,forthepurposesofamaintainedschool.
TheDepartment’sviewisthatlandwhichfallsunderthefollowingdescriptionsis
notconsideredtobeschoolplayingfieldsundersection77:
●
landonwhichstandsabuildingorotherstructureincludingindoorand
outdoorswimmingpools,andincidentallandthatisfunctionallylinkedto
suchbuildingsorstructures;
TheProtectionofSchoolPlayingFieldsandLandforAcademiesApril2012 51
●
softlandscapedorgrassedareasnotsuitableforuseforphysicaleducationor
recreationpurposes,suchasmarginalwastelandoutsideofaschool’sphysical
boundaryfencingandornamentalorotherflowerbedswhichdirectly
surroundabuilding orwhichareconnectedtoacaretaker’shouse;and
●
roads,carparks,pathsand,forexample,hardstandingareasforthestorage
ofwastecontainers.
Land
6.
Landisdefinedinsection579(1)oftheEducationAct1996as‘buildingsandother
structures,landcoveredwithwaterandanyinterestinland.’
Disposals under Schedule 22 to the SSFA
7.
Schedule22hasbeensignificantlyamendedbySchedule4totheEducationand
InspectionsAct2006andrelatessolelytothedisposalofnon-playingfieldlandby
thegoverningbodyofafoundation,voluntaryorfoundationspecialschool,bya
foundationbodyorbythetrusteesofafoundation,voluntaryorfoundation
specialschool.
52
Annex E: Guidance on the
Design and Management
of School Premises
Regulatory guidance – design guidance that includes requirements for compliance
with the Building Regulations and illustrates how compliance can be achieved –
to be consolidated
BB101,Ventilationofschoolbuildings,downloadableonly,2006
BB100,DesignforFireSafetyinSchools,NBS/RIBA2007
BB93,AcousticDesignofSchools,TSO2003
ThesedocumentsarecitedintheApprovedDocumentsthatsupporttheBuilding
Regulations.BB93alsosupportsTheNoiseatWorkRegulations1989.
Building Bulletins – current design guidance covering whole school, or elements of
schools, and/or technical guidance, best practice and case studies–toberestructured,
seeAnnexF
BB102,Designingfordisabledchildrenandchildrenwithspecialeducationalneeds,
TSO2008
BB99,BriefingFrameworkforPrimarySchoolProjects,TSO2006
BB98,BriefingFrameworkforSecondarySchoolProjects,TSO2004)
BB96,Meetingtheeducationalneedsofchildrenandyoungpeopleinhospital(DES/
DOH)TSO2003
BB95,SchoolsfortheFuture:Designsforlearningcommunities,TSO2002
BB92,ModernForeignLanguagesAccommodation:ADesignGuide,TSO2000
BB89,ArtAccommodationinSecondarySchools,TSO1998
BB88,FumeCupboardsinSchools,TSO1998CLEAPPSrevising,butretainuntilnew
versionready.
BB81,DesignandTechnologyAccommodationinSchools:ADesignGuide,
TSOrevised2004
BB80,ScienceAccommodationinSecondarySchools:ADesignGuide,downloadable
only,revised2004
BB79,PassiveSolarSchools:ADesignGuide,TSO1995
Other current design guidance–toberestructured,seeAnnexG
ProjectFaraday–Exemplardesignsforscience,TSO2007
Designofsustainableschools:casestudies,TSO2006
DesigningSchoolGrounds,TSO2006
PrimaryIdeas:projectstoenhanceprimaryschoolenvironments,TSO2006
GuidanceontheDesignandManagementofSchoolPremises 53
MusicAccommodationinSecondarySchools:adesignguide,NBS/RIBA2010(£20)
Managing School Facilities Guides – part current
Guide4–ImprovingSecurityinSchools,TSO1996–stilluseful,butmayneedtodelete.
Guide6–FireSafety,TSO2000–stilluseful,butoutofdateinpartsandmayneedto
delete.
Guide7–FurnitureandEquipmentinSchools:APurchasingGuide,TSO2000–
stilluseful.
Standard Specification, Layouts and Dimensions (SSLDs)–tobeconsolidatedaspart
ofStandardisationwork
SSLDGuidance1:PartitionsinSchools,DCSF2007
SSLDGuidance2:FloorFinishesinSchools,DCSF2007
SSLD3:ToiletsinSchools,DCSF2007
SSLD4:Lightingsystemsinschools,DCSF2007
SSLD5:RoofcoveringsinSchools,DCSF2008
SSLD6:Internalstairwaysinschools,DCSF2008
SSLD7:Internaldoorsetsinschools,DCSF2008
SSLD8:Sprinklersinschools,DCSF2008
Asset Management Plans–tobeconsolidatedaspartofConditionSurveyswork.
AssetManagementPlans:Section1Framework,DCSF
AssetManagementPlans:Section2PropertyInformationSystemsandSchoolsPremises
Data,DCSF
AssetManagementPlans:Section3ConditionAssessment,DCSF
AssetManagementPlans:Section3aGettingintoCondition,DCSF
AssetManagementPlans:Section4SuitabilityAssessment,DCSF
AssetManagementPlans:Section5SufficiencyAssessment,DCSF
Guidance that is out of date or superseded–tobewithdrawn
BB94,InclusiveSchoolDesign,TSO2001–supersededbyBB102
BB91,AccessforDisabledPeopletoSchoolBuildings:ManagementandDesignGuide,
TSO1999–supersededbyBB102
BB90,LightingDesignforSchools,TSO1999–oflimitedvalueassupersededby
CIBSEguide
BB87,GuidelinesforEnvironmentalDesign,TSO2003–outofdate
BB86,MusicAccommodationinSecondarySchools,TSO–supersededbyRIBAversion
BB85,SchoolGrounds:AGuidetoGoodPractice,TSO1997–supersededby“Designing
SchoolGrounds”.
BB84,SchoolBoardingAccommodation:ADesignGuide,TSO1997–outofdate
BB83,Schools’EnvironmentalAssessmentMethod(SEAM),TSO1996–outofdate.
BB82,AreaGuidelinesforSchools,TSOrevised2002–supersededbyBBs98and99
54 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
BB78,SecurityLighting,TSO1993–outofdate
BB77,DesigningforPupilswithSpecialEducationalNeeds:SpecialSchools,TSO1997–
supersededbyBB102
BB76,MaintenanceofElectricalServices(inEducationalBuildings),TSO1992–
outofdate
BB75,CCTVSystemsinEducationalBuildings,TSO1991–outofdate
BB74,ASchoolforArmenia,TSO1991
BB73,AGuidetoEnergyEfficientRefurbishmentMaintenanceandRenewalin
EducationalBuildings,TSO1991–outofdate
BB72,EducationalDesignInitiativesinCityTechnologyColleges,TSO1991–outofdate.
BB71,TheOutdoorClassroom,TSOsecondedition1999–supersededby“Designing
SchoolGrounds”
BB70,MaintenanceofMechanicalServices(inEducationalBuildings),TSO1990–
outofdate
BB69,CrimePreventioninSchools:IntruderAlarmSystems,TSO1989–outofdate
BB67,CrimePreventioninSchools:PracticalGuidance,TSO1987–outofdate
MSFGuide1–SavingWater,TSO1994–supersededbyTopTenTipsonDfEwebsite
MSFGuide2–SwimmingPools,TSO1994–outofdate
MSFGuide3–Savingenergy,TSO1995–supersededbyTopTenTipsonDfEwebsite
MSFGuide5–PurchasingEnergy,TSO1998–outofdate
DesignNote48,Graffitiremovalandcontrol,DfE–outofdate
BetterBuildings,BetterDesign,BetterEducation,DCSF2007–outofdate
Guidance not under control of DfE/PfS
21stCenturyLearningEnvironments,OECD2006–haddepartmentalinput,butowned
byCELE/OECD
DesigningSpaceforSportsandArts,DfEE/DCMS2000–outofdate
HowtoCombatArsoninSchools,ArsonPreventionBureau–haddepartmentalinput,
butownedbyAPB.
AGuideforSchoolGovernorsDevelopingSchoolBuildings,RIBA–firsteditionhad
departmentalinput,butownedbyRIBA(thirdeditionnowout).
DesignsforLearning,OECD–haddepartmentalinput,butownedbyCELE/OECD
Titles to be transferred to other organisations or archived
InspirationalDesignforKitchen&DiningSpaces,DCSF2007
TransformingSchools:aninspirationalguidetoremodellingsecondaryschools,
DCSF2004
ClassroomsoftheFuture,DCSF2003
Designingschoolsforextendedservices,DCSF2006
ExemplarDesigns:conceptsandideas,DCSF2004
InspirationalDesignforPEandSportSpaces,DCSF2005
55
Annex F: Possible
Restructuring of Guidance
Revised guidance
New guide
Covering
Extracted from
Area
guidelines for
mainstream
and special
schools
Grossandnet
area;categories
ofspace(e.g.
basicteaching),
roomsizes.
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
(areasonly)
Indoorand
outdoor
Compendium
for
mainstream
schools
(primary,
secondary,
all age)
Siteplanning
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
(areasonly)
BB102,Designingfordisabled
childrenandchildrenwithspecial
educationalneeds(areasonly)
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
Rangeofspaces
andbasic
characteristics
dividedinto:
basicteaching;
large/halls;
centralsupport;
non-net
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
BB92,ModernForeignLanguages
Accommodation:ADesignGuide
BB89,ArtAccommodationin
SecondarySchools
BB86,MusicAccommodationin
SecondarySchools
BB81,DesignandTechnology
AccommodationinSchools:
ADesignGuide
BB80,ScienceAccommodationin
SecondarySchools:ADesign
Guide
Foodtechnologyspacesin
secondaryschools
Notes
56 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Revised guidance
New guide
Covering
Extracted from
Wholebuilding
planning
(adjacencies)
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
Keydesign
principles
(allaspects)
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
BB102,Designingfordisabled
childrenandchildrenwithspecial
educationalneeds(basics)
Environmental
Designoutline
Notes
Andpossibly
BB95,Schools
fortheFuture:
Designsfor
learning
communities
BB87,Guidelinesfor
EnvironmentalDesign
Buildingfabric,
BB102,Designingfordisabled
fittings,furniture childrenandchildrenwithspecial
andequipment
educationalneeds(basics)
Guide7–Furnitureand
EquipmentinSchools:A
PurchasingGuide(section2)
Largespaces/
halls:
InspirationalDesignforPEand
SportSpaces
PE,dance,
assembly,dining,
theatre
(Planning,
servicing,
layouts,FFandE
etc).Linkstoarea
datasheets
InspirationalDesignforKitchen
andDiningSpaces(diningonly)
Designingforsportsandarts
(draft)
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
Thisandother
spacesguides
couldbe
combined?
Or
Couldmerge
withdata
sheets?
PossibleRestructuringofGuidance 57
Revised guidance
New guide
Covering
Extracted from
Basicteaching
spaces:
BB92,ModernForeignLanguages
Accommodation:ADesignGuide,
TSO2000
GT,art,music,
DandT,science,
food(Planning,
servicing,
layouts,FFandE
etc).Linkstoarea
datasheets
BB89,ArtAccommodationin
SecondarySchools,TSO1998
BB86,MusicAccommodationin
SecondarySchools,TSOrevised
2010
BB81,DesignandTechnology
AccommodationinSchools:A
DesignGuide,TSOrevised2004
BB80,ScienceAccommodation
inSecondarySchools:ADesign
Guide,downloadableonly,
revised2004
ProjectFaraday
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
Centralresources BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
andnon-net
SecondarySchoolProjects
areas:
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
Libraries,staff
PrimarySchoolProjects
spaces,admin.,
SSLD3:ToiletsinSchools
toiletsand
(guidanceonly)
changing,
kitchens,
circulation
(Planning,
servicing,
layouts,FFandE
etc).Linkstoarea
datasheets
Notes
58 StandardsforSchoolPremises–ConsultationDocument
Revised guidance
New guide
Covering
Extracted from
Compendium
MostofBB102
–Siteplanning;
Rangeofspaces
andbasic
characteristics;
BB102,Designingfordisabled
childrenandchildrenwithspecial
educationalneeds
for special
schools and
special units
Notes
Wholebuilding
planning
(adjacencies);
Keydesign
principles;
Environmental
Designoutline;
Buildingfabric,
fittings,furniture
andequipment
Outdoor
spaces
Briefing and
procurement
mini guide
PEspaces,
playgrounds,
habitatareas
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
BB98,BriefingFrameworkfor
SecondarySchoolProjects
BB99,BriefingFrameworkfor
PrimarySchoolProjects
BB102,Designingfordisabled
childrenandchildrenwithspecial
educationalneeds
Andpossibly
Designing
School
Grounds
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