RAAC at Godinton Primary School

Carré was tasked by Godinton Primary School to address the dangerously defective RAAC roof structure over the Early Years Classrooms. We conducted a thorough condition survey, developed a comprehensive specification, and secured funding from the Department for Education (DfE).

The project encompassed various tasks including the provision of temporary accommodation, structural renewal, roof covering replacement and thermal upgrades, fire safety measures, asbestos removal, and internal lighting upgrades. Despite the nine-month construction period, part of which was during term time, Carré ensured minimal disruption to the school’s day-to-day activities and implemented safety measures that successfully avoided any health and safety incidents.

The project was delivered on time and within budget, with the defective RAAC roof structure being removed safely. The provision of temporary accommodation minimised disruption to teaching and learning.

The project met the stringent funding and delivery criteria set by the Department for Education and received positive feedback from stakeholders. Meetings with government officials during the project helped shape national guidance on RAAC.

The main challenges related to the logistics of preventing school closure, whilst allowing operations to continue in a safe environment for all. Key to achieving this was collaboration with the school’s senior leadership team and the development of detailed site-specific risk assessments.

Carré are proud to be the only consultant in the UK to have successfully delivered a DfE funded RAAC replacement project and we look forward to taking forward the lessons learned into future RAAC replacement projects, prioritising understanding of clients’ operational needs for successful project delivery.