Facilities Development

Rob McIntosh - Facilities Development in the Middle East

Reach British School joined ISP in February 2016 after only its second year in operation. ISP worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense to obtain the relevant permit, and a budget of some AED 900,000.00 was provided by ISP. Part of the spend went towards the following:

•    Improving the fire safety of the Campus 

•    Making good and ensuring that the Campus fire detection system is operational 

•    Ensuring that compliant fire safety signage is displayed 

•    Ensuring that Health & Safety signage was purchased and displayed correctly

•    Providing safe refuge areas in the stairwells for the school's disabled students 

•    Providing fire rated vision panels to the stairwell doors

•    Providing three extra final exit doors to enable the school’s students, staff & visitors to vacate the building more efficiently 

ISP also invested in a swimming pool water heater/chiller during the summer break so that Reach British School (RBS) in Abu Dhabi could provide a comfortable learning environment for the students.

A review of the security measures of the Campus took place with findings of the survey and shortcomings contained within the report. The Kindergarten was found to be open to the general public and considered a security risk, with this understanding a door access control system was introduced to all final exit doors around the building. Now people can only gain access into the building via the security guard operating a door access button on the reception desk or via a digital keypad using a code, which only the staff members have access too. This system also helps with keeping the students safe within the KG block as they now cannot have free access to the outside of the building.

Security measures were also reviewed within the main school building and it was found that the previous standards were weak at best, with free access to the school grounds, classrooms and beyond. Control measures are now in place, with a single point of access introduced into the school after class registration. Parents and visitors are now guided to the receptionist and wait in the reception lounge until a member of staff can meet them. 

Before being given access to the reception area all parents and visitors are required to present their Emirates ID to the RBS security office, after which they now will be provided with a visitor’s pass.   

Current projects for Reach British School also include investment on providing an improved sports hall environment as well the completion of a new building at the front of the campus.