SEN Academy Building Condition Survey

Project Overview

This condition survey at an academy for children with learning difficulties, formed part of a broader initiative by the Trust to assess and maintain its facilities for long-term educational delivery. OMNIA Building Consultants were engaged to undertake a full building pathology review, providing expert assessment and prioritised recommendations. The outcome supports the Trust in planning capital works, ensuring compliance, and upholding a safe and functional learning environment.

Project Objectives

The key objectives of the project were to:

• Conduct a comprehensive condition survey across all structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.

• Identify life-expired components and items requiring urgent or future remedial works.

• Support maintenance programming with clearly prioritised actions and cost-effective solutions.

• Highlight health and safety risks requiring immediate attention.

• Advise on statutory compliance and documentation gaps.

Project Execution

OMNIA applied its multidisciplinary expertise in surveying, diagnostics, and asset management. Each element of the building envelope and services infrastructure was assessed in line with national standards and best practices.

Scope of Works:

• Full inspection of roofing systems, rainwater goods, external fabric, internal finishes, M&E installations, fire safety and access control systems.

• Identification and grading of issues based on severity (A–D) and urgency (1–4).

• Compilation of photographic evidence and specific recommendations for each element.

• Review of statutory compliance documentation including gas safety, electrical certifications, and fire risk management.

Key Findings and Recommendations:

Roofing:

• Mono-pitched aluminium and single ply roofs suffering from ponding, moss, and gutter failures.

• Recommendations: Timber repairs, resealing joints, skylight leak investigations.

External Walls and Doors:

• Signs of damp, staining, and timber cladding degradation. Aluclad doors misaligned and discoloured.

• Recommendations: Timber maintenance, structural survey for damp, door realignment and repainting.

Internal Elements (Walls, Ceilings, Flooring):

• Ceiling tile staining from leaks; scuffs and cracks to walls; flooring stained and damaged.

• Recommendations: Replace ceiling tiles, repaint walls, clean/replace carpets, repair transition strips.

Mechanical and Electrical Services:

• Electrical installation reported unsatisfactory (EICR 2022); emergency lighting failures; inadequate ventilation in the pool plant room.

• Recommendations: Address all C2/FI items, improve ventilation, replace failed lights, and implement proving systems on gas appliances.

Fire Safety:

• Cable penetrations lacking fire-stopping, unresponsive smoke detector, sprinkler system discrepancies.

• Recommendations: Fire stopping, detector replacement, ensure system verification.

Sanitary, Furniture, and Access:

• Accessible toilets compliant but routine servicing required. Kitchen gas shut-off system absent.

• Recommendations: Install safety cut-offs, regular maintenance.

External Site and Boundaries:

• Generally well maintained; minor damage to fencing and weed barrier.

• Recommendations: Localised repair and regular grounds upkeep.

Challenges & Solutions

• Aging Infrastructure: Despite a relatively modern build, areas are already suffering from wear. Strategic recommendations allow phased remediation.

• Health & Safety Risks: Fire and electrical safety concerns were prioritised, with OMNIA flagging C2 issues, unprotected cable penetrations, and emergency lighting shortfalls.

• Statutory Documentation Gaps: Gaps in servicing records and key compliance certificates were identified. Clear recommendations now enable the Trust to close these risks.

Client Outcome

The Trust received a detailed, practical, and prioritised assessment of their facility, enabling effective planning for short-term interventions and longer-term capital investment. OMNIA’s systematic approach delivered clarity on both condition and compliance, reducing risks and helping future-proof this critical educational environment.

OMNIA demonstrated its capability to support public sector clients with expert condition analysis, compliance insight, and maintenance strategy planning, ensuring the built environment supports educational excellence.