Client:

Charles Darwin Academy Trust

Location:

Biggin Hill, Kent

Solution:

Complete design and construction of segregated pedestrian and vehicle access routes.

The Brief / Challenge

Charles Darwin School is a comprehensive secondary school situated in Biggin Hill, Kent. Ashley Consultants were contacted when the school had expressed concerns regarding the safety and security of pupils entering and exiting, and generally while on site. Perimeter fencing surrounding the entire, extensive site was either in extremely poor condition, of insufficient height or completely nonexistent.

A further problem surrounded the fact that pedestrian safety was being severely compromised due to school buses, staff, and visitor vehicles as well as deliveries all using a single entrance to site, via low level, manually operated gates. In addition, there were no dedicated or segregated pedestrian access/egress routes, resulting in a highly unsafe situation particularly at the start and end of the day. The poor perimeter fencing offered no security, compromising the safety of occupants throughout the day.

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The Solution

Ashley Consultants conducted a comprehensive survey along with a Health and Safety Study focussing on the start and end of the day. A full technical design, specification and tender was then completed and a Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) Application was prepared and submitted on behalf of the school.

Following a successful CIF 20-21 funding application, Ashley Consultants provided full contract administration and Project Management of the works, liaising between all parties including weekly site visits to ensure safe and efficient works delivery, with minimal disruption to school operations.

Works were planned and completed to take advantage of the summer holiday period, extending into term time where the management of works were carefully co-ordinated to ensure safe operation of the school.

The specification for this safeguarding project included:

  • Complete design and construction of segregated pedestrian and vehicle access routes

  • Integration of fully automated and controlled pedestrian and vehicle entrance and exit gates

  • Introduction of dedicated drop off points for additional safety

  • Creation of a dedicated bus lane and associated crossing points

  • Design and installation of new suitable perimeter fencing in keeping with the local surroundings

The Result

Following the successful delivery of this integrated safeguarding solution, the Client is now delighted that site access is now safe, fully managed, secure, and compliant.

The involvement of Ashley Consultants on this project from inception to completion ensured a practical solution in keeping with the location, environment, and practical functioning of the school. All works were completed on time and within the CIF secured funding of £500K.

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