Lea Hough is able to assist voluntary aided schools to obtain funds for building repair and improvement works from the funds allocated to their Diocese via the School Condition Allocation (SCA); a method of obtaining funds that was formerly known as Local Education Authority Coordinated Voluntary Aided Programme (LCVAP).
The application process for any method of funding in the education sector is rigorous and bids for SCA funding are no different – requiring a significant level of detail and preparation. Evidence regarding the building’s state of repair must be gathered and properly documented, along with quotations for the works required.
Lea Hough is able to visit the school in question, undertaking an assessment of the building followed by a condition report (where required). From here, we are able to prepare all of the documentation and evidence needed to submit an SCA funding application.
The types of project that can be applied for are fairly wide ranging and include repairs schemes such as replacement windows or re-roofing, internal alterations/remodelling, safeguarding, extensions, replacement central heating boilers, etc.
There is always an over-subscription of bids for SCA funding and as such, preparing and submitting a thorough and detailed application will provide the best chance of bid approval. Lea Hough’s education sector team are able to offer support in securing investment due to our extensive experience in the funding field in the educational sector.
Project Management for Approved SCA Bids
If an application is approved, Lea Hough’s team will also provide the school with a full project management service. The services involved can include specification of works, drawings, tenders, applying for Building Regulations, getting Planning Permission if required, appointing suitable contractors, liaising with the Diocese, looking after all accounts and certifying payments, all the while ensuring the building work meets agreeable standards and timeframe targets.
Lea Hough has a strong track record of attaining funding for voluntary aided schools – formerly via the LCVAP route and now via the SCA. Only recently, an application made on behalf of a primary school in Lancashire successfully attained funding from Blackburn CE Diocese for new boilers / central heating. A further successful bid made by our team on behalf of a primary school in Cumbria saw a bid for replacement windows approved by Carlisle CE Diocese.
Due to their size and the need to meet high standards of health and safety, school buildings require an ongoing programme of planned maintenance and repair. As part of our work with voluntary aided schools, Lea Hough are retained by schools throughout the year to visit the school and provide general advice – for no extra fee. We can also prepare a development plan / maintenance plan for the entire school site, allowing for a planned and co-ordinated approach to building works and maintenance.
For more information about the process involved in SCA / LCVAP applications, or to arrange a free of charge site visit at your school, please get in touch.
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