Bidding round for condition improvement funding opens

The annual bidding round for the Condition Improvement Funding (CIF) for the 2025-2026 cycle has been announced.

Luminite has encouraged schools and colleges across the UK to submit their applications by 17 December 2024 to be considered for this funding, which prioritises safety and maintenance improvements in educational facilities.

The fund, amounting to over £400 million, aims to support projects that address compliance, health, and safety needs in school and college buildings.

According to the funding guidelines, projects that focus on maintaining the safety and functionality of educational buildings are given top priority.

Compliance with health and safety standards is emphasised to ensure a secure learning environment for students and staff.

Lockdown protection systems eligible for funding

Among the eligible projects for CIF is the installation of lockdown protection systems.

This measure, encouraged by updated Ofsted guidelines, requires that lockdown alert sounds are distinctly different from fire alarms to avoid confusion in emergency situations.

The contrasting sounds aim to direct individuals either to seek a safe area or evacuate, depending on the nature of the alert.

The ALERTEX range, produced by Luminite, is among the products meeting these needs with a battery-powered system that facilitates rapid and strategic installation within schools.

Luminite’s offerings also include annunciators for schools preferring spoken messages for clear instructions upon activation.

Funding emphasises health and safety compliance

In line with its primary goals, CIF funding prioritises projects that address urgent health and safety issues within school and college environments.

This may include necessary repairs, safety updates, and compliance with relevant regulations, reflecting a broader commitment to secure educational spaces across the UK.

CIF funding, therefore, enables schools to address issues proactively, ensuring that building conditions meet health and safety standards.

Schools are advised to outline how their proposed projects will fulfil these criteria within their funding applications.

Additional information and application details

For schools interested in the lockdown solutions provided by Luminite, contact details for further information are available.

Laura Grainger at Luminite can be reached on 0208 368 7887, and additional information on both the CIF and Luminite’s lockdown solutions can be found on their website at www.luminite.co.uk.

UK schools urged to apply for condition improvement funding for 2025-2026: Summary

The UK government has announced the opening of the annual bidding round for Condition Improvement Funding (CIF) for 2025-2026, a £400 million fund aimed at supporting essential safety and condition improvement projects in schools and colleges.

The application deadline is set for 17 December 2024, with priority given to projects that ensure health, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Eligible projects include the installation of lockdown alert systems that align with Ofsted guidelines, requiring distinct sounds for lockdown and fire alerts.

Luminite’s ALERTEX range is among the options available, featuring battery-powered systems for swift installation.

Schools can reach out to Laura Grainger at Luminite or visit their website for additional details.