Scope and Content
Includes:
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'Thank you for your memo of 28 Jun regarding the metal socket in the gymnasium floor. Because of the possible dangers these sockets present to children I should be grateful if you could arrange for the boxing ring sockets to be removed and for the floorboards to be made good as soon as possible'; Jul 1976
Memo from Southern Area Education Officer to Miss J Darby (Buildings & Development); 'Whilst acknowledging the repair to the fence around the pool, the Governors remain very concerned at the level of unauthorised use which the pool receives, and resolved that a request be made for the erection of a high tennis court type fence to prevent unauthorised use. A number of serious accidents have occurred recently during unauthorised usage. See attached news item clipping from Evening Post 2 Jul 1976'; Jul 1976
Photocopy of newspaper cutting; 'A late night reveller was found floating unconscious in a half empty swimming pool at a Caddington school which was leaking because it had been vandalised. Each year revellers use the swimming pool behind Five Oaks School. Headmaster Mr Michael Mansfield said "I'm always afraid that one year someone is going to drown". The reveller had a lucky escape when he dived and struck his head on the concrete bottom. He was apparently rescued by friends and revived. Mr Mansfield said "No matter how much we lock up it's impossible to keep people out. They seem to turn up after the pubs have shut when they are a bit worse for wear with drink and of course that's very dangerous. I don't think the people realise just what a stupid thing it is to do. On a number of occasions the police have been called because of a high number of people down there". During the winter part of a motor bike, concrete blocks and bricks were hurled into the 30 yard pool and damaged the concrete bottom causing it to leak. So the midnight swimmers will be in for a shock in a couple of weeks' time when the pool is emptied for repairs. Dunstable police say they are looking into the complaints'; Jul 1976
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'It would appear that this is a pool which is subject to constant vandalism with possible danger to life and would therefore take a high priority in our current Anti-Vandalism Programme. If any money is left to us when the financial cuts have been carried out I would be grateful if the situation could be investigated and a solution, if possible, found'; Jul 1976
Reply; 'I think that an appropriate course of action has to be found, as clearly the unauthorised use of the pool could have tragic consequences. However I am not convinced that a high tennis court type fence would be strong enough for the job, even if money can be found. I think advice from Crime Prevention should be sought by you in the first instance and appropriate signs put up. I am still awaiting advice from the County Secretary on the form of wording for this type of sign'; Jul 1976
Memo from Southern Area Education Officer to County Architect; 'At their recent meeting the Governors requested that information be sought regarding the delay in the agreed provision of a high fence around the pool'; Apr 1977
Reply; 'Will you please contact Miss J M Darby of the Education Department, who should be able to assist you in this enquiry'; Apr 1977
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I shall be grateful if you would kindly make arrangements to provide adequate fencing around the swimming pool. The finance for this work an be found from my 1979/80 Contingency Fund';
Jul 1979
Letter from Eastern Electricity, Luton, to County Architect; 'The general purpose supply to Five Oaks School is afforded in accordance with the maximum demand tariff with a declared maximum power requirement of 100kVA. However, over the past 12 months the highest demand that has been recorded is 52kVA and I should be glad therefore if you would complete the enclosed application form redeclaring your load at a more realistic level. I would suggest that this does not exceed 65kVA';
Jul 1976
Letter from Headmaster to Mr Rolt, County Offices, Luton; 'With the onset of the Autumn term and the re-opening of the evening classes, I would be grateful if our outside lighting could be made to function. The trouble seems to be that one street light, having been vandalised, is susceptible to rain and will likely put out all the ground lights'; Sep 1976
Letter from T P Roche & Co Ltd (Fencing Contractors), Hemel Hempstead, to Mr Billington [?Area Building Surveyor], Dunstable; 'We received from Mr Potts two verbal orders to carry out works at Five Oaks School. To the closeboard fence that we erected earlier this year adjacent to the swimming pool we are to erect a 6ft high netting fence on angle iron posts belted to the existing wooden posts, all of these materials are in stock and we had intended commencing site works Thu 9 Sep, your earliest advice on this would be appreciated. The boundary fence against the farmers field between the two 9ft high sections running away from the school, this fence we removed after the gales last year and Mr Potts was not originally going to replace this boundary, he subsequently only a few weeks ago telephoned and requested that we erect a 5ft high chain link fence on angle iron posts to this boundary of approximately 142ft. We have manufactured the ironwork for this section but have not got the chain link fencing in stock, but would appreciate your earliest advice'; Sep 1976
Memo from Chief Fire Officer to Chief Education Officer regarding use of Main Hall for music and dancing; 'My Officer visited Five Oaks Middle School on 11 Feb 1976 and the following comments are made: 1) Means of Escape: The maximum number of persons including staff permitted to resort to the premises at any one time for the following purposes should be a) Seated at tables - 300; b) Dancing - 375; Close seated - 500; 2) Emergency Lighting: The illuminated exit signs which operate on a 25 volt battery/mains system are fitted with 50 volt tubes which provides a level of illumination which is insufficient for music and dancing purposes. It is understood that one of the exit signs has been successfully adapted to receive two 25 volt bulbs and it is recommended that the remaining signs are similarly adapted; 3) Fire Equipment: A 1.1kg capacity carbon dioxide type extinguisher should be provided and sited on the stage by the fire blanket'; Feb 1976
Letter from Headmaster to Mr Billington; 'I am becoming increasingly concerned about gas leaks and smells which are being reported to me by my staff. These occur in two separate locations in the school and although some of them can be accounted for by unlit pilot lights, I am not convinced that that is the complete answer to the problem. At all times when gas is not being used for either cookery or science lessons it is turned off at main taps yet the smell of gas still occurs. Perhaps you could arrange to investigate'; Feb 1977
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'The Headmaster has reported that a tap in the Science Laboratory is faulty and leaks gas. He states that it has been isolated. I should be grateful if you could visit the school in the near future to investigate this matter'; Mar 1977
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'It has been noticed on recent visits to Five Oaks and Ashton Middle School, Dunstable, that the wood block floors are in some areas devoid of floor polish, and in other areas they lack a complete covering coat all over. I would point out that to leave this type of flooring in this condition leads to rapid deterioration due to abrasive wear, grit, etc., which will lead to replacement floors having to be considered, long before it should be necessary. I trust that you will take steps to prevent this problem recurring'; Mar 1977
Tender from Applied [?] Ltd, 67 Reginald Street, Luton, for Exterior Painting to Surfaces of Concrete Swimming Pools for £11,479 was successful; Jul 1977 [7 schools in total]
Form BM2 The following requires attention: 'Protective wall around fish ponds damaged by vandalism'; Oct 1977
Form BM2: 'Please repair protective wall round fish pond (damaged by vandals)'; Oct 1978
Memo form County Architect to Forestry Officer; 'The Headmaster has reported to Mr Billington his concern regarding a particularly large overhanging branch of a tree situated in Heath Wood at the side of the tennis courts. It is noted that there are several other trees whose branches also overhang quite considerably. I understand Heath Wood is subject to a Tree Preservation Order, and is thought to be in the ownership of Mr Samms, Manor Farm House, Luton Road, Caddington'; Jan 1978
Letter from Headmaster to County Architect; 'The School Laboratory has been checked and it has been noticed that one of the swan-neck water outlets is capable of being rotated directly onto an electrical socket. Could you please arrange for the electrical socket to be relocated?'; Feb 1978
Form BM2 The following requires attention: 'Skylight above the Laboratory Preparation Room. The metal strip securing the glass to the frame has been removed by vandals and therefore the room below is insecure. The room contains both highly toxic and flammable chemicals which are secured only by a glass fronted wooden cabinet, and the room also contains the master gas tap to the lab. A number of other skylights are in a similar condition'; Mar 1978
Tender from P N Specialist Builders Ltd, Luton, for Joinery Repairs and Replacements was successful [amount not stated];
Apr 1978 [various premises, unspecified]
Letter from Headmaster to Chief Education Officer; 'As you are no doubt aware the cost of repair on our school greenhouse is increasing dramatically. No sooner has a glazing repair been completed than nocturnal vandals break the glass again. Already there is no question of the greenhouse being brought into use, any plants would soon be killed off. Now I am beginning to seriously question the advisability of continually reglazing although to abandon the greenhouse altogether would be a loss to the school. We still wish to use the green house, and two solutions occur to me: Either the greenhouse should be reglazed with shatterproof plastic greenhuose panels or the greenhouse should be relocated near the front of the school where, because of the more open situation, damage of the kind which now occurs is less likely to take place. I realise that neither of these two alternatives is cheap, but neither is the cost of continual reglazing'; May 1978
Reply from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I have visited the school and examined the greenhouse as requested. As re-positioning the greenhouse would involve building new brick supports, re-running of electricity, water and underground heating, I would suggest that the glass at present broken (7 squares) be replaced with Lexan unbreakable plastic as an immediate item and any squares broken in future are treated the same way, thereby creating a diminishing necessity for replacement of glazing. Perhaps you would let me know if you wish this work to be carried out, which would be undertaken as a maintenance item'; Jul 1978
Reply; 'I shall be grateful if you will arrange for the replacement of the broken squares of glass in the greenhouse with Lexan plastic which has been treated for ultra violet ray transmission. I note that this will be done as a maintenance item and the Headmaster is very pleased that the greenhouse can again be used to better advantage'; Jul 1978
Memo from Mrs M E Thompson; 'The two badminton courts in the gym/hall are badly in need of repainting - for next term if possible! The present markings are potentially dangerous - no surround margins having been provided. I would like to see new markings reduced slightly in length with the width remaining the same. I have attached a rough sketch showing the new court proportions. I understand that Further Education badminton classes also run at this school. The caretaker will be at the school during the last 3 weeks of the holidays'; Jul 1978
Reply from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I would confirm that the re-lining of the badminton courts has been ordered and will be completed as soon as possible'; Oct 1978
Form BM2; Incinerator in boiler house when first used after repair melted the roof and its chimney exploded. Please check, examine and make safe. (It was Friday the 13th!); Oct 1978
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I have received a letter regarding the fire protection to the resources room. At the moment it contains reprographic machinery and fluids which may constitute a fire hazard. As there is no fire protection in this room could you investigate any precautions that may be necessary'; Nov 1978
Reply; 'I refer to your memo and the subsequent inspection by my Officer as a result of which I make the following comments: One 2.2kg Dry Powder type extinguisher should be provided and sited adjacent to the door from the resources room. The extinguisher should be mounted on wall brackets at a convenient height'; Nov 1978
Letter from Chief Education Officer to School Safety Representative regarding Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; 'Your report to the Headmaster dated 20 Oct 1978 has been referred to the County Architect and the Area Building Surveyor has been asked to give urgent attention to the hastening of the work which has already been ordered about a month, when your report was submitted. The procedure for requesting and hastening urgent work to reduce hazards to staff, pupils and visitors, allows the Headmaster to contact the Area Building Surveyor or Engineers at their offices as listed on pages 63 and 64 of the Education Service Guide'; Dec 1978
Memo from Architects Department to County Treasurer; Invoice forwarded from J Sapsworth Ltd, Luton, for £13.08; 'The person responsible for breaking caretaker's house window [77 Five Oaks] was Mr Kevin Price, 5 Heathfield Close, Caddington, whilst at the Youth Club. Will you please arrange to collect the total amount from the Youth Club concerned'; Mar 1979
Memo fom Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'The caretaker, Mr Harding, has complained that since he moved into the house two and a half years ago, repairs and defects have not been attended to and he estimates that there is about one thousand pounds worth of work outstanding. I have requested a list of these outstanding items and also the dates when he submitted forms BM2 or letters drawing attention to them. In the meantime I should be most grateful if you could arrange to inspect the property and let me have your comments as soon as possible. He is aware that I have asked you to do this'; Jan 1980
Reply; 'I would inform you that the only repairs which have not been completed are for external joinery repairs. Two of the defective window frames have already been replaced and money has been included in this year's estimates for the remaining defective joinery work to be repaired or renewed as necessary'; Apr 1980
Tender from R Howes (Dunstable) Ltd, for Joinery Repairs, Renewals and Redecorations to Caretaker's House for £1447.26, was successful; Jul 1980
Memo from Chief Fire Officer to County Architect; 'Further to the full survey of the school it is noted that in the two storey section two stairways have been provided; one fully enclosed, the other being enclosed at the head. Clear glazing within each of the three partitions forming the enclosures means that there is no fire separation between the two stairways. It is essential for the glazing to have a minimum fire resistance of half an hour, particularly at ground floor level'; May 1979
Letter from A Spearing, Safety Representative, to Headmaster; 'I have inspected the premises [Thu 15 Mar] in accordance with my duties and wish to draw the following matters to your attention: a) General Safety: 1) Windows on the ground floor open outwards and jut out dangerously; 2) There are two broken windows; 3) The front doors of the main entrance are not fitted with wire reinforcing; 4) The fan heaters are inefficient due to perished insulating material; b) Sanitary Facilities for Pupils: 1) There is inadequate ventilation in one toilet block; 2) No drinking water available in three toilet blocks; c) Passages and Stairways: 1) Broken step and movement in two stair rails; 2) No stair rail on steps of temporary classroom accommodation. This has already been mentioned in a previous report dated 20.10.78; d) Home Economics Department: 1) Trailing wires from sewing machines may constitute an obstacle or fire hazard; 2) Ironing boards surfaces damaged and asbestos mats loose; e) Art and Craft Rooms: 1) No ventilation for kiln to extract excess heat or fumes from room; f) Laboratory: 1) Only one exit from lab, no direct exit to the outside of the building; 2) No master switch to isolate electrical apparatus in the room; g) Kitchen: 1) Flooring extremely slippery when wet; 2) Ventilation dirty due to infrequent servicing; h) Outside Areas: 1) Damaged paving surfaces to pool surround; 2) Gaps in fencing permitting dogs to foul pool surround; 3) Heaps of building waste left by contractors including splintered woodwork and broken glass; 4) Unguarded steps to hutted classrooms, already reported to the Authority; 5) Large and unstable tree branches overhanging the tennis courts; 6) no guards on post holes on games pitches'; Apr 1979
Letter from Headmaster to Chief Education Officer; 'I detail below my own comments on each point: a) 1) It is an often repeated school rule that pupils do not walk anywhere near these open windows. Nevertheless we average four hospital trips per year for stitching minor wounds caused by these open windows; 3) The front doors are not, and never have been fitted with wire reinforced glass; 4) The fan heaters have been reported on a BM2, 28.2.79, but nothing has been done about it. All insulation in all heaters has perished allowing cold air sucked in to be blown out unheated; b) 1) Ventilator now open; 2) Repair requested 26.3.79; c) 1) Repair requested 26.3.79; 2) Previously reported; d) 1) Trailing wires. This needs advice from Health and Safety Officer; 2) New ironing boards are needed and provision will be made to purchase some; e) 1) Health and Safety Officer should decide whether or not this is necessary; f) 1) and 2) These items need the advice of a Safety Officer. The laboratory area has, of course, often been inspected by Fire Officers; g) 1) Floor is slippery when wet; 2) Ventilator is very dirty; h) 1) and 2) Due for renewal this year; 3) Now removed; 4) Previously reported; 5) Previously reported to Mr Billington (now Mr Pryor); 6) Needs advice of Safety Officer'; Apr 1979
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'Regarding item f) 1) could you please request the Chief Fire Officer to inspect and report if he considers that a secondary escape from the laboratory is required'; Aug 1979
Fire Service Survey Report mentions (along with Fire Precautions recommendations) that premises are under the occupation of Bedfordshire County Council, providing non-residential secondary education for the following number of students: Day school - existing 250; proposed 350; Staff - 21; Adult Evening Classes - 60; Staff - 6; Also mentions that the site is a complex comprising of a main building with a satellite practical block and teaching block connected by covered ways. The main and practical blocks are of single storey construction and the teaching block of two storey construction; Apr 1978
Memo from Chief Fire Officer to Chief Education Officer; 'A survey of this school was carried out 25 Apr 1978 and your attention is drawn to item 6., means of escape, which contains recommendations on the means of escape not only from the laboratory but also the Woodwork Room and the Art Room. A further visit to the school 6 Sep 1979 by my Officer revealed that the comments made in the survey report were still outstanding. During the visit it was noticed that the rear exit from classroom 3A (formerly Science Room) was secured by a padlock. It is recommended that the padlock be removed from this door and the door made available and kept unlocked whilst the school is occupied'; Sep 1979
Form BM2; Guard rail and steps to the huts in very unsafe condition; damage caused by vandalism; Sep 1979
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I refer to your memo circa 5 Nov 1979 regarding the provision of additional power points in the Home Economics area. My Maintenance Engineer had surveyed the area and it is felt an adequate quantity of power points has been provided for the purpose to which it is put. It is, however, recommended that the furniture layout be re-arranged to make full use of the power points provided and, more importantly, to obviate the present danger which exists with trailing leads etc.,'; Jan 1980
Form P1 Notification of Unsafe/Unhealthy Conditions; School Exterior Walkways: Comments from A L Spearing, Safety Representative; 'The slabs in some areas give cause for concern as they are raised or lowered in excess of a reasonable gap. This matter was brought to your attention on 20.10.78'; Reply from Headmaster; 'Provision in current financial year for this work not yet done. Most paving needs re-laying'; Feb 1980
Form P1; Home Economics Room: 'The trailing wires attached to the sewing machines are still in the same condition as reported 24.4.79 and remain a potential hazard'; Reply; Area examined by Miss Child/Mr Rolt, agreed dangerous. Still used as above pending bench fixing; Work surface and bench fixing still required'; Feb 1980
Form P1; Swimming Pool Surround: 'The paving slabs are in an unsafe condition, many being cracked, raised or lowered. The link fence is damaged permitting dogs to foul the area. This has deteriorated still further since my last report of 24.4.79'; Reply; 'Reported to County 27.4.79, was said to be due for renewal in current financial year, not yet renewed; Paving needs urgent attention'; Feb 1980
Les Jepps Fencing Ltd submitted a quotation for renewing fencing to swimming pool [no further details]; Feb 1980
Tender from William Curry, Luton, for Re-laying Paved Areas at Pool Surround for £1338 was successful; Apr 1980
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I refer to my memo of 8 Oct 1979 regarding the provision of a "sleeping policeman" in the driveway of the school. I should be grateful if you would kindly arrange for this work to be undertaken, the cost of which should be charged to the Education Contingency Fund 1980/81. In addition, perhaps you would also include the marking of the ramp at Willowfield School. It would be appreciated if you would advise me of the total cost of work in due course'; Apr 1980
Memo from County Surveyor to Chief Education Officer; 'I have inspected the drive to this school and it would appear perfectly feasible to install a road hump to reduce vehicle speed. However, the distance from the main gate to the car park entrance is only sufficient for one hump and this should be sited just prior to the latter where the drive straightens out slightly. For safety reasons the width and height of the hump should be enough to reduce speed without causing damage or danger, bearing in mind that narrow humps can become more comfortable taken at speed. A second hump in advance of the footpath and entrance to Willowfield School could be placed at the opposite end of the car park - a short distance from the gate. Some small kerbing alterations would be needed at this point to support the end of the hump. Both humps would require adequate marking with advance warning of their presence. I have the appropriate dimensions should you wish, but no doubt if it is decided to proceed you will be discussing constructional points, including drainage details, with the County Architect'; Aug 1979
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'The order for this work has been placed with W Curry, 21 Atherstone Road, Luton, and will be charged against your contingency fund as requested'; Apr 1980
Letter from Headmaster to Chief Education Officer; 'Yesterday, 20 May 1980, one of my first year pupils, Mark Ewington, received a nasty wound to his head when he hit it against one of our window frames. I took him to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital with his mother where it was discovered that the boy had a depressed fracture of his skull and he was immediately transferred by ambulance to St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. The latest report I have from there is that he is "comfortable". I have reported the details on a Notice of Accident form, and the school Health and Safety representative has expressed his concern for the second time, on form P1. The accident, however, highlights the problem we have with our windows at ground floor level. They jut out from the building with sharp metal corners at the eye level of our pupils. When we were a Secondary Modern school, although we had a few accidents involving the windows, there were, as far as I can recollect, fewer than we have had since becoming a Middle school. This, if so, would probably be accounted for by not only the tendency of younger children to ignore warnings, but also the fact that smaller children are the right height for coming into contact with the window frames in this unpleasant way. I have had several meetings with representatives from your department and I was under the impression that the window problem had a relatively easy solution. This involved, in one area of the school, relocating a footpath, and, in another part of the school, erecting a small fence in order to plant shrubs. The paving relocation was to be done when the larger paved area was re-layed. However, the re-laying of the paved area (another matter concerning my Health and Safety representative), has, apparently, been abandoned, and the small fence enclosing a shrubbery area cutting off access to windows which was agreed with Mr Cornell, has not arrived. I and my staff are concerned and worried about the possibility of further, and even more serious accidents to pupils. I wish to request that urgent consideration is given to the problem which our windows cause, and that those solutions which had previously been discussed are re-assessed. Perhaps the best solution might be to replace our ground floor opening windows with ones which slide'; May 1980
Notice of Accident or Dangerous Occurrence and Form P1 Notification of Unsafe/Unhealthy Conditions
Letter from Dr Angus E Brewer [Councillor and Chairman of Board of Governors] to Chief Education Officer; 'I was extremely concerned that one of the first year pupils of Five Oaks School received a serious head wound as a result of impact against a window frame which caused a depressed fracture of the skull which required treatment at St Bartholomew's Hospital. The dangerous nature of the window frames with the sharp metal corners at head level for most of the pupils has been pointed out repeatedly to the Education Department by the Board of Governors and the Headmaster. Promises have been made to put matters right but have never been implemented. The paving stones around the School also constitute a continuing and dangerous hazard and although promises have been made to put this right nothing has yet been done. I would request on behalf of the Board of Governors, Headmaster, staff and pupils, that immediate steps be taken to remove these sources of danger. Presumably the parents of Mark Ewington will be able to make a claim for damages against the County Council'; May 1980
Memo from Deputy County Architect to Mr P Pryor, Area Building Surveyor; 'I confirm my instructions to you to liaise with the Headmaster in having erected immediately a temporary barrier to isolate the 8 windows which are known to be hazardous. I understand that Mr Cornell is arranging for appropriate flower beds to be sited immediately in front of the 5 windows at the rear of the school, and that the paving (this work is to be carried out simultaneously with the re-levelling of hazardous paving elsewhere) is to be realigned to avoid the 3 windows at the front of the school'; Jun 1980
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'A report is being prepared on the background to this incident which I will let you have in due course. In the meantime, I would stress that where hazardous conditions are clearly identified and it is likely to take some time to carry out long term solutions, it is essential that management arrangements are put in hand, in liaison with my department, if necessary, to offset such risks'; Jun 1980
Memo from Chief Building Surveyor to Allan Bigg; 'As stated in the letter from the Head Teacher, the problem arising on those windows causing concern were to have been dealt with by means of providing a cultivated bed to those windows opening onto grassed areas and by relocation of the footpath to those opening onto the paved area. The preparation of cultivated beds has not yet been carried out as arranged with Mr Cornell. The relocation of the paved area was omitted with the remainder of the school paving (with the exception of the area around the swimming pool) from the 1979/80 programme after going out to tender three times (competetive tenders having not been received). In view of the safety hazards involved with both the windows and the unevenness of the paving, I have again prepared a specification, on a reduced area, in an endeavour to get this work carried out as essential under Health and Safety requirements. Until these works are completed, I have arranged for the dangerous areas to be fenced off'; Jun 1980
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect (attention of Mr Bigg); 'I would agree that it is essential that management measures be put into operation when a problem has been identified. In this case I understand that the Head discussed the matter directly with the Area Building Surveyor. In the future when such incidents arise it would be much appreciated if you could arrange to have someone in the Education Department informed whenever an incident of this kind comes to your attention. With regard to the provision of flower beds, this will be planned but it is estimated roughly that over £800 will be needed to establish the flower beds and the necessary source of finance has not as yet been identified'; Jun 1980 Memo from County Architect to Personnel Officer; 'I would like to have a discussion with you about the recent accident at Five Oaks Middle School and the measures being taken to avoid a repetition. However, Holmemead Middle School, Biggleswade is similar in design to Five Oaks, and whilst I have no reports of possible hazards at this school (my Model Survey refers to hazards, some of which may have been dealt with. Chief Building Surveyor is checking), it may be that you would wish to satisfy yourself on this matter before the meeting'; Jul 1980
Memo from County Treasurer to Chief Education Officer; 'The Insurance Company requires to have a sketch plan of the accident site showing the height of the window above ground level and the extent that the window will project out from the building. The Insurance Company also requires to know how the children are warned not to play in this area and how often such warnings are given. The Insurance Company have further asked if there is any teacher in charge of the play area in that vicinity during playtime to prevent children playing there. I should be obliged if you could let me have the information required in order that I may forward it to the Council's Insurance Company and I should also be obliged if you would keep me informed of any developments in this matter'; Jul 1980
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer giving Sketch Plan of Site, window projects out to 2'4" at a height of 4'4" [no scale]; Aug 1980
Further memo; 'I understand from my Area Building Surveyor that the necessary alterations to the pavings have now been completed. I assume that you will arrange for the planting to be carried out as soon as possible in the new Financial Year to complete these safety alterations'; Dec 1980
Reply; 'There is no money currently available to provide any planting at the school. When money does become available in the next financial year it will be rather late to do shrub planting unless we can get some container grown plants. Ideally the work should be done in the autumn of 1981 when the work force is not tied up with grass cutting and can give the job their full attention. I suspect therefore that there will be no planting until that time'; Jan 1981
Letter from Angus E Brewer, Chairman of Board of Governors, to Chief Education Officer; 'At recent meetings of the Board of Governors, the Headmaster, Mr Mansfield, has reported that an increase in aircraft noise was causing disturbance to lessons and teaching generally. Arising from this I asked at a meeting of the Airport Consultative Committee, of which I am Vice-Chairman, if a noise monitoring exercise could be carried out in the school grounds. Mr Collins, the Airport Director, agreed to do this and we must be grateful to him for his co-operation. The mobile equipment was set up on the roof of the school 12 Oct and left there until 7 Nov and recorded a total of 198 jet aircraft of which 139 conformed to the off-set approach procedure, and 59 were unable to comply due to the weather conditions at the time. (Caddington is subject virtually entirely to the noise of landing aircraft, the take off paths being some distance to the south of the village). I enclose a photostat of the results obtained [not here] ...You will see that when the off-set approach path was used a total of 52 aircraft out of a total of 121 (43%) gave a noise reading above 98 PNdB, and when the off-set approach could not be used a total of 18 out of 28 (64%) were above 98PNdB with a further 13 (45%) on the border line. Such noise levels are obviously disrupting to teaching and are unacceptable. The Airport Director is continuing to investigate the matter, firstly to ensure that the noise levels obtained are correct readings and if they are, to establish why noise is apparently greater now than it was in the past. My purpose in writing to you is to ask that these facts be placed before the Education Committee and if they see fit, to take representations to the Luton Borough Council';
Apr 1980
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I should be grateful to have your comments on what action might be taken to reduce the disturbance to the school and what grants might be available to assist with a scheme to sound proof the school'; May 1980
Letter from County Architect to Mr P Marriott, Department of Education and Science; 'The Chief Education Officer has asked what grants there might be available to assist with a scheme to soundproof the school. Whilst I appreciate that the sound levels being recorded would need to be taken into account, and the possible ways and means of achieving a degree of soudproofing, it would be helpful if you could, perhaps, let me know if there is any possibility of such a scheme being supported by your Department in real terms. You may know of similar cases and, if so, you may wish to give me a ring'; Jun 1980
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I shall be grateful to receive your comments as to whether the claim that aircraft noise is affecting work at the school can be substantiated and, if so, what action might be taken to reduce the disturbance, so that I can reply to the Chairman of the School Governors and the Clerk of the Caddington and Slip End Parish Council as soon as possible'; Jul 1980
Reply; 'I can report that I responded to your previous memo dated 28 May 1980 on the basis of what grants might be available to assist with a scheme to soundproof the school. My response was to send the information which had been forwarded to you by the Chairman of the Board of Governors which set out the sound levels being experienced at the school, to the DES asking them what assistance might be available in the circumstances the school finds itself in. Your memo 24 Jul asked for my comments as to whether the claim (presumably that they are being disturbed by noise) can be substantiated. In answer to this, it seems to me that the figures given in the letter from the Chairman of the Board of Governors may need to be assessed by the DES in determining what support they would be prepared to give a soundproofing scheme. Until I hear from The DES I do not think I am able to help you further'; Jul 1980
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'In reply to your memos 25 Feb 1980 and 1 May 1980 together with attached Health and Safety report forms, 1 and 5 relating to paving in various areas of the school. This work was out to tender at the time of your writing and an order has subsequently been placed for the renewal of the pool surround only. A further specification has been prepared and tenders are being invited for replacement of the worst areas around the school'; Jun 1980
Tender from William Curry, Luton, for Relaying of Paved Areas for £3890.70 was successful; Jul 1980
Memo from Northern Area Education Officer to County Architect; 'Please note that Mrs J Beddard of 10 Elm Avenue, Caddington, has been appointed swimming pool operator at the school with effect from 26 Jun 1980'; Jun 1980
Letter from Headmaster to Chief Education Officer; 'Some time ago when there was some plumbing work to be done at school, the plumber saw our water tank (situated in a room above the stage in the hall) and remarked that he thought it should be covered. It is true that in the past we have removed dead birds from the water - these get in through the overflow hole and then can not get out again. A recent examination of the tank reveals other debris on the floor amidst a layer of fine grey slime, and a faint oily sheen to the surface of the water. I mention all this in connection with Health and Safety at Work as it now seems that this tank supplies drinking water to the school. I have not sufficient knowledge of the plumbing of the school to determine the accuracy of this statement, but if it should be the case that drinking water comes from this rather messy tank I would ask for alternative arrangements to be made. In any event, I would like the tank and the plumbing system examined by a competent investigator to determine some of these points. I therefore request that this examination be undertaken as soon as possible, as there could be a potential hazard involved'; Aug 1980
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I shall be grateful if you will investigate the matter urgently and advise me of your findings as soon as possible. If there are any premises which have drinking water supplied by any other means than mains water they should be similarly checked and reported'; Aug 1980
Reply; 'I would confirm with you that there is mains water supply to one sink and the wash basin in the kitchen and to all drinking fountains within the school. No supply for drinking is taken from storage tanks'; Oct 1980
Memo from Allan Bigg; 'Tom Lorman saw me today having just returned from Five Oaks School. Whilst there the Head pointed out that (according to him) the cold water supply to the Main Kitchen, M I Room and H E Room is all tank-fed. Tom will be reporting formally to Chief Education Officer. Do you know of this? If the above is true, can mains supplies be provided and at what cost? Tom feels that if there will be any appreciable delay, at least the existing supplies should be labelled "not fit for drinking"'; [Pen note: 'Yes this is true and applies not only to Caddington but to every building constructed since about 1963'] Mar 1981
Further memo; 'TL says the tanks were dirty inside and there was no sign of any covers. Could you please arrange to have the tanks cleaned out and covers fitted?'; Mar 1981
Form P1 by A L Spearing, Safety Representative; 'On previous inspections with the Headmaster we have discussed the unclean nature of the water supply from the water tank above the stage area. Mr Mansfield agreed to obtain more information regarding the covering of the tank and if it supplies water for drinking. This information has not yet been made available and needs attention'; Sep 1980
Memo from Personnel Officer to Chief Education Officer; 'The school was visited 25 Mar 1981 when the problem of water supply was discussed with Mr Mansfield, the Headmaster. Considering the time lapse between discovering the problem and todays date I was very disturbed to find no action had been taken. In your memo you suggest that taps had been labelled with the source of supply, in fact this is not the case. I would advise that this be done without further delay. I am sure that the County Council would be severely criticised should a child have a stomach upset even if it had no connection with the drinking water. In the ultimate I would suggest that the supplies be re-routed to ensure that wholesome drinking water is supplied to the Medical Room, Kitchen and other sites as required. It would also be in our interest to drain the tank and remove the debris, perhaps a cover may be provided to prevent further contamination'; Apr 1981
Form BM2; 1) Broken step outside emergency exit of hutted classroom; damage caused by vandalism; 2) School gate bent and dangerously loose; damage caused by vandalism'; Sep 1980
Memo from County Architect to County Treasurer regarding invoice from A G Peck Ltd for £63.56; 'Will you please arrange to collect the whole amount from: Youth Club Leader, Caddington Youth Club, Five Oaks Middle School'; [Undated; does not specify what this relates to]
Memo from D A Taylor, Senior Inspector, to County Architect; 'I was asked by the Headmaster to inspect an organ and amplifier that the school had on approval and was considering purchasing. A Technician from TMRS [?Teaching Materials and Resources for Schools?] visited the school and produced the attached report, some of the details of which come under your Department's jurisdiction. An Engineer from TMRS will be visiting the school again in order to apply tests to the equipment under BS 415 to determine exactly how the jack socket became live, and if the equipment is faulty, I will recommend that the Headmaster does not purchase it'; Nov 1980
Report; 'On inspection of the organ and amplifier at the school on 13.11.80 I found that the installation of the equipment, carried out by Gerry Allen of Dunstable, to be unsatisfactory regarding Health & Safety etc.,. The mains feed was a single 13 amp socket behind the stage, from which ran 3 core flex lead which then passed through the wall next to a metal conduit, behind a wall mounted loudspeaker on which the mains lead terminated into a double 13 amp surface socket, screwed to the rear of the loudspeaker. From this socket ran one 3 core flex fused 13 amp plug to the organ, the other 3 core flex fused 13 amp plug fed the amplifier which was mounted under the keyboard, from the amplifier ran the loudspeaker lead to the wall mounted loudspeakers. Shortly after the equipment was installed, a member of staff received an electric shock whilst plugging the jack plug into the amplifier. Gerry Allen was recalled, who changed the metal jack plug for a plastic insulated one. I checked with the "AVO" [?Audio Visual Officer?] for a path between the body of the amplifier and the organ also earth path from plugs etc.,. I informed the Head that I rejected the equipment and removed the fuses and fixed "REJECT" labels etc.,'; Nov 1980
Form BM2; 'Wood removed from side of hutted classroom (vandalism)'; Nov 1980
Memo from M J Pollard to H K Curtis; 'At the request of the head Teacher, I visited the school regarding heating problems in the Typing/General Office. This room is heated by radiators but the fixed benches cover up most of the heating surface. As it is not possible to reduce the amount of benches, I would suggest replacement of the radiators with a fan heater. The school are at present using an electric fire which is very dangerous as they use chemicals for duplicating in this room. Can you please advise me if we can go ahead with the replacement on Health & Safety grounds'; [pencil note: 'No! They must use the heating system provided']; Jan 1981
Letter from A L Pirks, 99 Five Oaks, to Education Department; 'My garden adjoins the school. We have on many occasions had incidents of children climbing our fence to retrieve balls that have come into our garden. Earlier this year I had a garden fork stolen. This weekend somebody trespassed, opened my garden shed and stole my new garden fork but before leaving dug up about ten potato plants. This was sheer vandalism as the plants will not be mature for about a nother four weeks. I toyed with the idea of placing barbed wire along the top of the fence but as the fence is only four feet high this would be a potential hazard to children playing in the school playing fields. I do however feel it is incumbent upon the Council to take every step to prevent invasion of peoples privacy from Council property and I feel the Council should increase the height of the fence by at least two feet. This may not totally prevent trespass but will act as a deterrent. A further action by the Council would be to prevent the use of the school grounds by unauthorised persons during holiday periods. It will be necessary for the Council to re-erect the boundary fence where it has been broken down and for the Local Authority to reinstate the public footpath which has become overgrown by non-use. Non-use because the public are using the school field to exercise dogs etc.,. I think this is a reasonable request and I shall be glad to hear that the Council will accede thereto. It is a step which I require taken as early as possible before other crops in my garden are ripe enough for harvesting apart from the inconvenience of losing other garden tools and equipment. I have sent copies of this letter to the Police and South Beds District Council, the latter as I believe they are the appropriate Authority responsible for the public footpath'; Jun 1981
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I have inspected the fence of 99 Five Oaks adjoining the school playing field and in my view appears to be in a reasonable condition with no visible sign of being climbed on. The fence also is at least 5' high and not 4' as mentioned in the residents letter. As regards the re-erection of the boundary fencing where it has been broken down alongside the public footpath, this occurs well away from the property. I would suggest that you contact the Arts and Recreation Department and inform them of this fact'; Sep 1981
Tender from J Sapsworth (Glazing and Decorating ) Ltd for Repairs and Redecorations at Five Oaks, Sacred Heart Junior & Infants, Farley Old Peoples Home and Day Centre and Winsden Children's Home, Luton, was successful [amount not stated];
Sep 1981
Form BM2; 'Ceiling collapsed in Rural Studies Room'; Undated [?c. late 1981]
Letter from County Architect to Headmaster; 'I believe that you may be aware that the Fire Service has reported on deficiencies with the glazed doors and screens enclosing the two staircases in the two storey block. I have invited tenders from three local Contractors for upgrading these screens and they may wish to call to inspect the area concerned by arrangement with you. The Specification sets out the folllowing condition for the timing of the work: "The work may be carried out during the Feb half-term holiday which will be 13-21 Feb 1982. Alternatively, the work may be carried out during term time under the following conditions: 1) Only one staircase to be unprotected at any given time; 2) Noisy operations such as routing the door edges are not to be carried out while classes are being held; 3) Painting and varnishing to be carried out after the pupils have left in the afternoons; All work must be completed by 31 Mar 1982". Could you please let Mr Bigg know if you foresee any difficulties';
Dec 1981
Specification of Work in connection with Fire Precautions Nov 1981; With accompanying drawings Oct 1981; Ground & First Floor Plan [no scale]; Elevation [scale 1:20]; Mullion and Transom detail [full size]; Existing Doors and New Doors (half hour fire resistance) [full size]
Tender from Bonner & Cook for Fire Precautions Work for £1477 was successful; Jan 1982 [work to be done during half term]
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I have received a request for the provision of a safety fire blanket for the brazing hearth. Could you please confirm whether you are able to provide this blanket'; May 1982
Tender from Cambridge Asphalte Co Ltd, Cambridge, for Felt Re-roofing at Five Oaks Middle and Heathfield Lower Schools for £54,535 was successful; May 1982
Letter from County Architect to Cambridge Asphalte Co Ltd; 'The following points were raised at a site meeting 10 Jun 1982; 1) Inadequate fencing around areas containing a) bitumen pots; b) stored materials; c) rubbish skips; 2) Fire extinguisher and fire blankets not in evidence; 3) Ladders not secured; 4) Excess rubbish around site; 5) Damage caused by vandalism due to accessibility of materials; 6) Damage caused to paving, drainage and grassed play area by lorry collecting rubbish skips; 7) Disposal chute not as requested in specification; It was agreed that measures would be taken to remedy the faults and damage caused forthwith'; Jun 1982
Letter from L S Wale, Cambridge Asphalte Co Ltd to Architect's Department; 'On stripping the felt coverings it was discovered that the Teaching Block and the Workshop Block were insulated with a 12mm wood fibreboard. This was reported to your Clerk of Works who gave an instruction that this should also be removed along with the existing felt coverings. We consider this to constitute a valid addition to the contract and as such it will be charged as an extra item at the rate of £1.40 per m2. We trust that this is satisfactory to yourselves, but should you have any comments to make please address them to the writer'; Jul 1982 Reply; 'The specification states that the roof covering shall be removed to the base layer, this being the roof decking. The 'instruction' given by the Clerk of Works on site was only confirmation of this. In these circumstances no additional charge by you is valid and no variation to the contract can be made'; Jul 1982
Notice of Accident or Dangerous Occurrence; Paul Young, a pupil, fell into a hole in the playground where a grating was missing and received a cut to the right leg. Parents took him to Luton & Dunstable Hospital; May 1982
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'For some time we have had problems of security at this school. There have been a number of complaints against the School Caretaker to the effect that he was not locking the building at the end of the school day. A full investigation has been made and it now transpires that some members of staff have been gaining access to the building after the CAretaker has left at night. It seems that these staff have keys in their possession which open the external doors. These are not keys which have originated from the school, but rather keys that the staff have on their private key rings - one is the key to the teacher's garage at home! The staff have been told not to use their own keys, but to report to the Caretaker when they wish to gain admittance. However, human nature being what it is, some are ignoring this instruction which is placing the Caretaker in an invidious position. The solution would be to re-equip the external doors with locks of a different pattern from the norm. I appreciate that this may seem an expensive way of tackling the problem, but appeals to common sense have fallen on somewhat deaf ears. I should be grateful if you would let me know if you are able to undertake this item out of maintenance, in view of the unusual (I hope!) circumstances'; Apr 1982
Reply; 'The cost of changing the locks would be £600. In view of the excessive cost of the work involved, I regret it is not possible to fund this work from maintenance monies. However, a cheaper solution would be to fit a strong shoot bolt to each external entrance door, with only the main entrance and one other exit fitted with a new lock, this could be funded from maintenance. Please let me know if you wish to proceed; Jun 1982
Quotation from B Griffiths, Joinery, Luton for supplying and fitting 14 Chubb 5 lever mortice locks £590; May 1982
Certificate of Analysis and Insulation Report from Thomson Laboratories, Milton Keynes; Air samples from boilerhouse 1) In front of boilers - 297 fibres, 0.14 fibres/ml; 2) By calorifier near new thermostat - 495 fibres, 0.25 fibres/ml; Lagging samples; 1) Pipework at front of far boiler; 2) Pipework just inside door; 3) Pipework where thermostat fitted; 4) Cylinder; all contained chrysotile (white asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos); 'A large boilerhouse with 2 metal clad boilers. The 2 cylinders and the pipework have asbestos-type lagging. The insulation is solid and the seal is good except: a) Several places on the pipework where the seal has been broken by wear or impact; b) A short vertical section of pipework at the front of each boiler where the insulation is loose and the asbestos exposed; c) A short section of pipework insulation just inside the door where asbestos is exposed; d) A 6" section of pipework in the corner by the cylinders has been cut away to fit a thermostat. This has not been sealed and there is asbestos dust lying loose in the immediate area; e) A small section of pipework in the same corner has been replaced, insulation exposed; f) There is an asbestos cloth jacket on the front of each cylinder; Recommendations: Reseal wherever the asbestos is exposed. Clean up especially by d) using a vacuum cleaner with an absolute filter. Specification B applies. In the meantime, in view of the airborne fibre concentrations, the door to the boilerhouse should be sealed and access restricted to persons wearing approved respiratory protection'; Jun 1982
Letter from Headmaster to Chief Education Officer; 'As you know we are undergoing roof repairs and I am informed that some lead which the roofing contractors had removed for replacement was stolen sometime during the last two weeks. The police were informed and are investigating. An unreliable estimate of the value of the missing lead is £17; the price of lead is, apparently, not what it used to be'; Jul 1982
Further letter; 'The School was entered during the weekend of 10/11 Jul. Entry was made through a broken window. Police were informed and are investigating. Nothing was stolen or damaged (apart from the window)'; Jul 1982