Gransden Construction delivered targeted accessibility and life-safety improvements at Cheriton Primary School, Church Road, Folkestone. The Phase 3 scope centred on Year 5 level access, window and door renewals, and enhanced escape routes, enabling smoother circulation for pupils (including wheelchair users) and faster, safer egress in an emergency.
Our role (education, live environment)
We planned and executed the works during the school-holidays to minimise disruption, with hand over ahead of term starting. Site operations were set up with full safeguarding, DBS controls (including buddying rules where required), managed deliveries, and banksman supervision to avoid drop-off/pick-up peaks—while maintaining emergency access throughout.
What we delivered
- Year 5 level access works with new thresholds and circulation adjustments.
- External envelope: renewal of external windows and doors, upgrades to fire-escape platforms.
- Accessibility upgrades: installation of two larger single external doors to improve wheelchair access; renewal of four internal flush doors with widened openings.
- Egress improvements: construction of a raised fire-escape path with handrail to provide clear, step-free routes from classrooms to safe muster areas.
Working with existing fabric & safety risks
The school includes SEAC prefabricated and later brick/block structures; we sequenced window removal with temporary support to the over-sailing fabric as required. Strict asbestos management covered known thermoplastic floor tiles/bituminous adhesive and provision for R&D surveys where openings penetrated untested zones. Permit-to-work systems, service location (CAT scanning), hot-works control, and waste/logistics plans were embedded in the CPP.
Project team
Client: Kent County Council (Infrastructure Division)
Contract Administration / Principal Designer: Consult Construct Ltd
Main Contractor: Gransden Construction Ltd.
