Challenge
The project faced several interlinked challenges:-
- Operational Continuity – Teaching spaces, the school hall, and catering facilities were all impacted by RAAC, requiring careful planning to avoid closure.
- Health & Safety Risks – The deteriorating RAAC, supported temporarily with steel propping, represented an ongoing hazard to pupils and staff.
- Complex Logistics – Works were carried out in a live primary school environment, involving temporary relocations, alternative site routes, and phased operations.
- Budget & Funding Certainty – Both phases were grant-dependent, demanding robust feasibility, cost planning, and risk mitigation to secure and retain funding.
- Technical Risks – Variations emerged during demolition, including previously unidentified RAAC elements and minor structural design inconsistencies.
Solution
Carré led a multi-disciplinary team including structural and M&E engineers, safety consultants and specialist contractors. Key actions included:-
- Preparing detailed feasibility studies, surveys, and specifications to secure UCS and 2024 grant funding.
- Delivering temporary modular classrooms, offices and catering facilities to ensure uninterrupted teaching.
- Designing and administering JCT DB 2024 contracts, with stringent compliance to Building Regulations, including Part L2 energy efficiency improvements (e.g. 0.18 W/m²K insulation, LED lighting, high-efficiency pumps).
- Managing asbestos removal, structural strengthening, drainage modifications, and consequential works (fire safety upgrades, decorations, landscaping).
- Providing robust cost control and value engineering to balance unforeseen issues without exceeding the approved budget.
Outcome
Both phases were delivered successfully, with all RAAC safely removed and replaced by compliant metal web joist roof structures.
- The school remained open throughout, with zero reportable H&S incidents.
- Phase 2 achieved Practical Completion in July 2025, on programme and within budget, with only minor variations offset by savings.
- Sustainability improvements enhanced thermal performance, reduced running costs, and ensured long-term compliance.
- Lessons learned from Phase 1 were applied to Phase 2, supporting smoother delivery and contributing to national guidance on RAAC management.
- The project is regarded as a model of best practice in RAAC remediation, balancing safety, continuity of education, and value for money.
What Godington Primary School had to say…
“I would highly recommend Carré Consultancy. They listen well to their client’s needs and offer suggestions and solutions when required. They are so incredibly supportive and even when we may have felt a little daunted at times during a stage of a project, they have offered reassurance every step of the way. They are approachable, calm, honest and most professional at all times”.
Claire Williams, Godinton Primary School
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Project Scope
Full removal of defective RAAC roof structures across teaching, hall, and ancillary spaces; reinstatement with modern structural and compliant roofing systems.
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Project Scope
Full removal of defective RAAC roof structures across teaching, hall, and ancillary spaces; reinstatement with modern structural and compliant roofing systems.
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Project Scope
Full removal of defective RAAC roof structures across teaching, hall, and ancillary spaces; reinstatement with modern structural and compliant roofing systems.
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Registered Office Address: 123 Harvey Drive, Chestfield, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3QY
Registered Office Address: 123 Harvey Drive, Chestfield, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3QY
