Phase 3 Extension Handover

February 22, 2024

Works are now complete on our third phase of expansion works for a popular special school in Oldham. Funding for the first two phases of extension works was secured by CCO following two successful consecutive Condition Improvement Fund bids to the ESFA. Funding for the ground floor extension was granted in 2018 with funding for the first-floor extension granted in 2019. Both phases were completed in one consecutive phase on site with the new two-storey autism base teaching block completed in October 2020.

Due to the high demand for places at the school and capacity constraints in the existing building, a third CIF expansion bid was prepared by CCO, and in 2021 funding for a third phase of extension works was secured. A total of 14 additional classroom spaces have now been provided through the construction of the new autism base teaching block.

Funding for expansion projects only accounts for 15% of the total CIF funding available. Since 2021 funding for all successful expansion projects is awarded initially in principle. Following the release of CIF funding the bid is subject to further DfE review and applicants must submit further information eg. tender returns, planning evidence, etc in order to secure the CIF funding. If you would like to discuss the preparation of a funding bid for an expansion or condition project at your academy then please contact our team on 01772 425360 to discuss how we can help.