{"id":21070,"date":"2023-08-23T03:37:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T10:37:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/second-caledonian-modular-school-told-to-close\/"},"modified":"2023-08-23T03:38:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-23T10:38:00","slug":"second-caledonian-modular-school-told-to-close","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/second-caledonian-modular-school-told-to-close\/","title":{"rendered":"Second Caledonian Modular school told to close"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Haygrove School in Bridgwater, Somerset has been told it cannot reopen for the new term because of safety fears following technical investigations.<\/p>\n

The school block completed in October 2020 was one of two projects awarded to Caledonian Modular under a \u00a338m batched deal.<\/p>\n

The other Sir Frederick Gibberd College in Harlow has also been told it must not reopen after surveys identified structural safety concerns with the main building and sports hall.<\/p>\n

The projects were awarded under the Department for Education\u2019s \u00a33bn modular framework, set up in 2020 to fastrack construction and deliver better value for money.<\/p>\n

Fresh safety concerns over the two Caledonian Modular-built schools follow the earlier demolition of two primary schools built by the firm in Cornwall after construction issues were uncovered at both.<\/p>\n

Both Launceston and Newquay primary schools were only part-built as Caledonian Modular fell into administration in March 2022.<\/p>\n

But concerns about construction issues saw both projects later entirely demolished.<\/p>\n

A statement from the Bridgwater school to parents said: \u201cHaygrove School and Quantock Education Trust have been engaging with the Department for Education over the past 12 months to ensure our main school building is fully fit for purpose and of the quality our students and staff deserve.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe DfE has overall responsibility for the main building, which was completed in October 2020, and has undertaken technical investigations over the past few weeks to determine its long-term viability.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince we first occupied the main building, we have been assured by the DfE that it was safe for our students and staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, it is with huge disappointment that we have been informed that the DfE has decided, following its surveys, that we are not able to use the main school building until further notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis means we are in need of alternative arrangements for the new school term in September. The DfE has promised us that it will be providing high-quality temporary accommodation on the school site as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever we do not yet know when this will be delivered and are seeking urgent clarification from the DfE.\u201d<\/p>\n

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