Condition of the School Estate in England The results of the Property Data Survey Programme (PDSP) were published on 6th February. There have been a series of Parliamentary Questions on the PDSP in England. Asbestos was specifically excluded from the PDSP
Comment:
- It is extraordinary that at the end of the two year audit DfE cannot say either how many schools or buildings are in a good, satisfactory, poor or bad condition or how much it will cost to bring the whole estate up to a good condition. The Parliamentary questions confirm that the data is unclear and confusing so that it is almost impossible to have a true picture of what condition the school estate is in.
- In comparison the condition of the School Estate in Scotland is presented in a clear, understandable manner.
- Asbestos was specifically excluded from the PDSP. As it can be one of the most expensive items in maintaining, refurbishing or demolishing a school, it means that any financial forecasts will be meaningless.
- One must question whether it is intentional to mask the scale of the problem