Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the construction of Ealing Fields High school, what his Department's policy is on provision of compensation for (a) structural and (b) non-structural damage caused by construction of Departmental projects.

Bowmer and Kirkland, the relevant contractor, is responsible for the safe construction of Ealing Fields High School. The Department does not adopt a compensation policy for any damage caused by construction works as any such responsibility rests with the contractor. In the case of Ealing Fields, the Department is aware that Bowmer and Kirkland has been in regular contact with residents about addressing their concerns.

When procuring capital projects, the Department applies a comprehensive framework which sets out relevant legislation, British Standards, codes of practice and other requirements that a building contractor is required to comply with when undertaking projects on behalf of the Department. These standards were established in November 2017 when the Department’s most recent construction framework was procured.

The Department is increasing the number of schools built through modern methods of construction. This method provides the opportunity to reduce site times by up to 50% which would also reduce both disruption to pupils and staff, and the noise and dust associated with onsite construction.

The Department has built 57 schools using modern methods of construction and this financial year, we plan to open another 21 schools. The department has announced a new procurement framework with a value of up to £3 billion for modern methods of construction solutions in schools. This framework is due to go live by November 2019.