Pupils across Bolton returning from the summer holidays last month were greeted by safer and warmer classrooms after the council invested in the borough’s schools.
Working with local employers Seddon, the council oversaw repairs and improvements at more than half a dozen schools, benefitting over 3,000 pupils from primary to secondary age.
The wide-ranging work was carried out over the summer break to minimise disruption.
The project saw some schools receiving new boilers and water heaters, new roof installed at one primary school, while another had more energy efficient windows installed.
Some fire alarm systems and emergency lighting have also been upgraded.
Schools benefitting from the programme were:
- Blackshaw Primary School
- Heathfield Primary School
- Gilnow Primary School
- Claypool Primary School
- Westhoughton High School
- Church Road Primary School
- Brandwood Primary School
It is the second school decarbonisation project Seddon has delivered with Bolton Council, helping to improve the efficiency and long-term sustainability of school buildings across the borough.
By using a local employer in Seddon, the council has ensured more money is spent in the local supply chain while supporting employment and training opportunities for residents.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“Bolton is lucky to have so many outstanding schools where hardworking teachers prepare children and young people for the future.
“But it is vitally important that students can learn in a safe and comfortable environment.
“These improvement works are just the latest example of how Bolton Council is supporting our children to get the best possible start in life.”
Jake Dowling, building services manager at Seddon Property Services, added:
“In a school environment, key is delivering the work without disrupting pupils learning.
“Close communication with all stakeholders has meant we are now on our second round of projects with Bolton, helping upgrade schools across the borough, and creating places students, their teachers and parents, want to use.
“Every school is different, so undertaking detailed evaluations at the outset to understand how it performs is essential to making the right improvements, maximising each building’s efficiency and futureproofing the schools for the years ahead.”
All work was completed on schedule with no disruption to teaching.