BACKGROUND
Chantry Primary Academy, part of the Pioneer Learning Trust, is a well-regarded school in Luton that is committed to providing modern, inclusive learning environments. When the school identified the need to upgrade its nursery facilities due to the existing layout being no longer fit for purpose, Inspire Contract Services were invited to provide a solution.
The project brief was to remodel the classroom to create a flexible, open-plan teaching space while also upgrading sanitary and kitchen facilities to better support staff and pupils. The scheme required a full strip out of the existing area and installation of modern, durable finishes in line with current standards.
Inspire Contract Services were ultimately awarded the project through a JCT Design & Build contract, with a tight six-week programme for completion.
The initial strip out included removing floor finishes, asbestos-containing bitumen adhesive, existing toilets, kitchen units, internal walls, and several door sets. All asbestos materials were removed and disposed of responsibly, in accordance with current legislation and health & safety regulations.
A full-time, non-working Site Manager was appointed to oversee all activities, ensuring site safety, quality control, and close coordination with the school. Regular progress meetings and clear communication channels were maintained throughout the project to minimise disruption and keep works on track.
THE WORKS
Following the extensive strip out from the existing classroom, Inspire Contract Services undertook a series of remodelling and refurbishment works to transform the space, including:
- Structural alterations to form new openings and enlarge existing ones, creating an open-plan environment and ensuring service routes were carefully relocated within the floor build-up.
- Installation of two new FD30 fire doors, ensuring compliance with modern fire safety standards.
- New vinyl flooring throughout, providing a durable and low-maintenance finish suited to heavy daily use.
- Redecoration of walls, producing a fresh, modern interior that enhances the learning environment.
- New kitchen installation, including oven and oven hood, providing improved staff facilities.
- Two new pupil toilets with cubicles, sanitaryware and Whiterock wall finishes, creating a clean, hygienic space designed for ease of maintenance.
- New DDA-compliant toilet, ensuring accessibility in line with Equality Act requirements.
- Handwash units installed for both teachers and pupils within the classroom, supporting hygiene and safeguarding best practice.
THE RESULT
Despite the short six-week programme, Inspire Contract Services successfully delivered this high-quality refurbishment solution on time and within the budget allocated. The upgraded classroom now provides a bright, flexible, and modern learning environment, designed to support a more collaborative style of teaching.
The new sanitary and kitchen facilities provide staff and pupils with safe, hygienic, and accessible spaces, including a DDA-compliant toilet to meet inclusivity requirements. Enhanced handwash provision also supports safeguarding and wellbeing priorities across the school.
Although final building control sign-off was pending at the time of completion, the transformation was met with very positive feedback from the client.
This project highlights Inspire’s ability to successfully manage technically challenging remodelling works within an education setting. By combining strong project management, high-quality workmanship, and close client collaboration, Inspire have delivered a space that will benefit the school for many years to come.
The successful completion of this project for the Pioneer Learning Trust adds further to Inspire’s growing portfolio of education sector projects, underlining their capacity to deliver practical, modern solutions that enhance teaching and learning facilities, whilst maximising safety and minimising disruption to daily activities.
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