School Organisation, Partnership and Development (SOPD) are responsible for ensuring the upkeep and development of school buildings within Waltham Forest Council’s remit.

Asset management consists of a number of elements ranging from the physical condition of buildings, to the spaces within schools and how well suited they are for teaching and learning.  It informs the planning of priorities for capital investment at a local level, supported by the information and data provided by schools, meeting the Department for children, schools and families (DCSF) requirements.

There are three main aspects with regards to asset management information, namely, Condition, Sufficiency and Suitability:

  • Condition refers to the state of repair of a building.
  • Sufficiency is a measure of school places, so as to ensure it is able to offer an appropriate place for every pupil.
  • Suitability is defined as how well the school building supports the delivery of the curriculum and management of the school.

Other facets of data provision and areas of the local authority (LA) and schools responsibilities, include:

Energy & Water Consumption Data: improving the performance of buildings in terms of emissions, saving energy and water.

Accessibility Legislation: the requirement that buildings should be accessible to all.

Health & Safety Legislation: A number of policies and strategies exist to demonstrate compliance to the legal obligations of the LA as an employer (the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) places ultimate responsibility upon the employer).

Asbestos: A major risk to the health and safety of staff and pupils working within schools, type II surveys being procured now will provide a greater level of knowledge of existing risks and allow for better management of risk.

Fire Risk Assessment/Audits: All public buildings must have current “fire risk assessment”, that takes into account all elements of fire safety, from the building, to escape routines and staff training. Schools should also undertake audits.

Water Safety / Gas Safety / PAT Tests: Ensuring that certification of these investigations is in place and improvements identified are being carried out is central to the LA evidencing its execution of its duty as an employer.

So that SOPD can address the priorities and meet DCSF requirements, there are three main documents that schools are required to complete.  These can be downloaded below along with guidance:

Contact us

School Organisation, Partnership and Development (SOPD)
PO Box 416
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow
London E17 5SD

Tel 020 8496 3550
Fax 020 8496 3688