Overview
- The NAHT survey, released Monday, found 51% of 326 headteachers had areas out of use or not fit for purpose.
- Basic facilities are failing, with 65% of affected schools reporting toilet blocks that are not fit to use and 8% reporting closed loos, while 41% said special needs spaces were not fit for purpose and 3% said they were closed.
- Almost all respondents, 96%, said capital funding falls short, which forces leaders to divert money from learning to fix leaking roofs and broken boilers.
- The Department for Education has a decade-long renewal plan funded at £1 billion, including £700 million for maintenance, but the National Audit Office estimates £13.8 billion is needed to bring buildings up to standard.
- NAHT members will use this week’s Belfast conference to debate a motion to lobby for fully funded repairs, as leaders describe mould, leaks, asbestos and condemned playgrounds that put health, access and learning at risk.