School Improvement Works

Investment of over £800,000 has been made at two Dundee primaries over the summer holidays as part of a citywide school building improvement drive. 

Councillors will hear that a roof replacement project has been undertaken at Craigiebarns Primary, while new windows were installed at Eastern Primary. 

The two primaries were identified for the enhancements in a £2.5 million programme targeting school buildings across Dundee. 

In June, the Children and Families Committee considered a report on the condition and suitability of the learning estate. 

This highlighted the strong condition of the learning estate with all council secondary schools and standalone nurseries rated either good or satisfactory, receiving an ‘A’ or ‘B’ rating for condition and suitability. 

All primary schools are rated ‘A’ or ‘B’ for suitability, while 28 of the city's 33 primary schools are rated ‘A’ or ‘B’ for condition. Improvement works are scheduled to take place at all primary schools currently rated ‘C’ for condition. 

The City Growth and Investment Committee will hear that work was carried out at Craigiebarns and Eastern primaries over the summer holidays, as these major projects could only take place while the buildings were empty. 

Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: "I am pleased to see that these two significant projects were undertaken over the summer holidays. 

"The work represents an ongoing investment into our learning estate to ensure that learning and teaching takes place in the best possible conditions." 

Robertson Construction Tayside undertook the work. The Craigiebarns roof project cost £357,164 in total, with the compete costs of the Eastern windows replacements coming in at £477,055. 

Children and Families Convenor Stewart Hunter said: "This £2.5 million investment over the year ahead will help ensure that pupils continue to benefit from well-maintained school facilities.  

"The current condition of our educational estate reflects the significant investment made in recent years. We are aware of those school buildings that require attention, and work has either been completed or is scheduled to address these issues." 

The City Growth and Infrastructure Committee meets on Monday August 24.