Dear Colleagues,

This week, I have been amazed by the exemplary display of our trust value of collaboration across our community. It has been truly inspiring to witness the collective effort and dedication from all corners of our trust. 

Firstly, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ivybridge Community College and Coombe Dean School for their exceptional hospitality in hosting colleagues from the Chiltern Learning Trust. Your generosity of spirit in sharing school improvement approaches and demonstrating the implementation of our six key levers has been nothing short of exemplary. This kind of collaboration not only strengthens our internal bonds but also enhances our collective impact on our sector. 

In addition, it was brilliant to witness our ECT mentors coming together to share their insights and discuss ways to ensure that our Early Career Teachers have a supportive and professionally rewarding start to their careers in teaching. Your dedication to nurturing new talent within our profession is commendable and vital for our future. 

Our vigilant culture of safeguarding is something we must never take for granted. It was reassuring to see so many colleagues actively engaging in their Level 3 safeguarding training. Your commitment to the safety and well-being of our students is paramount and deeply appreciated. 

We also hold a firm belief in every child thriving in our schools. This week, it was wonderful to see our SEND leaders come together to learn and share best practices on how to meet the diverse needs of all our children. Your passion and expertise in ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed is truly inspiring. 

 

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge Becky Bailey and Nicola Dowling for representing WeST nationally at the ‘Opening Worlds’ event.  

Thank you all for your unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of our children. 

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Oreston Fire Safety Works

One of the key challenges within our estate is ensuring that older buildings comply with modern building regulations. Oreston School, originally built in 1880, is a prime example. Over its 140-year history, the school has undergone numerous extensions and refurbishments. However, earlier works to provide office and teaching spaces on the first and second floors were not completed according to approved plans.

The most pressing issue was the lack of a compliant fire escape route. According to current regulations, the upper two floors should have a fire-sterile escape route that leads directly outside. Unfortunately, this vital corridor was omitted, leaving staff and students with a greater risk of passing through a fire to exit the building, a situation that falls short of modern safety standards.

To address this, a team was assembled, including the Central Estates team, fire engineers (who also served as expert witnesses in the Grenfell inquiry), a surveying practice, structural engineers, and building contractors. Together, they designed a solution acceptable to both the Fire Service and the Building Control Authority. This involved extensive works to contain potential fire spread and creating an alternative escape route via a new second staircase. As with many complex projects, the design phase took longer than the practical works.

Executing this project was challenging due to the building's unknown structural issues, only discovered once walls, doors, and floors were opened up. Given that Oreston is a working school, a phased plan was implemented. Major structural works, including the new staircase, were scheduled during the summer break, with smaller, less disruptive tasks planned for term times.

To expedite the project, demolition and preparatory works began before the end of the summer term. By the start of autumn, critical safety upgrades were completed, including fire compartmentation, an extended fire alarm system, new fire doors, and the installation of the second staircase. 

Final touches are scheduled for the upcoming half-term, but the safety of the building has already been significantly enhanced. We are eagerly anticipating an interim visit from the Fire Service in early October.

The photos provided show the removal of a section of the staff room floor to accommodate the installation of the new escape staircase.

Optimistic October