Facilities

Physical/Facility Resources:

The operations of the Facilities Unit are focused upon: Providing school facilities which support Government educational goals and targets Managing the Department’s asset portfolio Developing, implementing and evaluating policies and process which support facilities standards for school improvement Supporting a safe and secure school environment for students, staff and the wider community Providing advice to schools and acting as a conduit for schools to access Government programs and services in the facilities area.

Core facilities programs are:

Integration (Works) Program Program for students with disabilities and impairments to be integrated into the standard school environment.  The program provides funding for access ramps, handrails, disabled toilet/shower facilities, change tables and hoists.

Regional Supplementation Reserve Regional office will consider funding to supplement the Maintenance and Minor Works where a school experiences unforeseen and costly urgent works.  Please apply to Peter Trevena, Acting Manager Resources and Services

School Maintenance (SMS) Formerly known as PRMS, identifies, prioritises and addresses school maintenance through central funding strategies and the Student Resource Package (SRP).

Relocatable Transfer Relocatables and portables are a statewide asset and are designed in a manner that allows their transfer within the Government school system to meet accommodation needs as determined by changes in student enrolments.    DEECD currently provides classroom accommodation on a classroom/student ratio of 1:25 for Primary Schools while Secondary Colleges are provisioned against the 2003 Secondary Facilities Schedule

Capital Works Upgrade (Building Futures and Better Schools Today) Schools identified by the region as needing capital works will be invited to prepare an application under the Department’s Building Futures framework. Priorities will continue to be based on facilities most in need of refurbishment, modernisation or replacement to support improved educational outcomes.

Disaster Reinstatement The Department’s Reinstatement Program provides funding assistance for schools that are severely damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake or other significant emergency.   The Reinstatement Program will only provide funding for repair and replacement of facilities where the cost of reinstatement is significant and where these facilities form part of the school’s entitlement.

Asbestos The principal and/or school asbestos coordinator must refer to the school’s Part 5 Asbestos Risk Management Assessment and their Asbestos Management plan before undertaking any refurbishment, maintenance or demolition works (including voluntary work), to ensure that the works are undertaken to minimise asbestos risks.

Community use of school Facilities Schools and their facilities represent a significant social resource and contribution to the resilience and vitality of community life. Cooperation between schools and the community through the establishment and use of a variety of facilities has been a long standing practice in Victoria and has been strengthened through the “Schools as Community Facilities” policy.    Under certain circumstances, formal agreements are required between the Department and external stakeholders for use of school facilities.

Facilities FAQ’s Do I need a permit? Schools are exempt from planning permit requirements but must obtain a building permit for any structural work that is estimated to cost in excess of $5,000.   Where do I find a copy of the school title? School title information is held by the Facilities Unit and is made available to schools upon request. This information is required whenever a school submits application for a building permit.   Do I need to obtain quotes? Projects under $25,000 can be completed on a single quote basis. Three written quotations are required for all works in the value range $25,000 - $150,000. Works exceeding $150,000 are subject to tender requirements.   Do I need permission to build something? School Councils have permission to undertake building and grounds related works, under certain conditions, where the project value is under $50,000. Projects over this amount (regardless of the fund source) must be submitted to the Facilities Unit for further advice.   Does the Department have a copy of the school plans available? The Department does not retain school building plans or plans of underground services.  Older sets of plans may be available from the Public Records Office Victoria. Additional information can be obtained via the following web link:-   How do I update the School Asset Management System (SAMS) plans? Please refer to page 44 (Chapter 10) of the instruction guide “Procedures for New Construction and Major Upgrades” pursuant to the following web link:-       Is my playground equipment safe?   Please see the following instruction guide “Guidelines for School Playgrounds. Playground Safety Management 2005” pursuant to the following web link:-       Where can I find a copy of the school room entitlements?   Please see the following web links to the primary and secondary college schedules:- Primary and Secondary       Is the Department able to assist the school with parking problems?   Please see the following web link to the Department’s “Good Neighbour Policy”:-     Our school site is too small. Can we apply for additional land?   Please see the following web link to the Department’s “Site Extension Procedure”:-

Contact :           Peter Trevena, Acting Manager Resources and Services   School Maintenance Capital Works Upgrade (Building Futures and Better Schools Today) Disaster Reinstatement Asbestos Community use of School Facilities

Tess Moore, Facilities Project Officer Relocatable Transfer

Jackie Pavlovska, Resources and Services Support Officer Integration (Works) Program Regional Supplementation Reserve

School Services: Implements policies, programs and projects in NMR in the following areas.  Emergency Management