Fordwater Building, Chichester High School

Project Details

CNM Scaffolding was appointed to supply, erect, hire, and strike an independent access scaffold at Chichester High School, enabling essential roof repairs and maintenance. The project required a full scaffold installation on the main roof, with the top lift boarded just below soffit level, ensuring safe access for contractors. A staircase was positioned at the north-east corner of the site, within the boundary, to provide controlled access. Additional safety measures were introduced, including a crash deck beneath the main entrance skylight and protective fans over the doorways. These were fitted with double boards and polythene sheeting to safeguard staff and pupils moving in and out of the building. CNM's distinctive pink debris netting was installed over the doorways, offering both practical protection and a recognisable brand presence. The entire site perimeter was secured with Heras fencing, preventing children and unauthorised individuals from accessing the scaffold areas during term time.

This project utilised our commercial scaffolding and edge protection & handrails services, delivered to our full range of industry accreditations and safety standards. The project was located in Chichester, one of our key service areas across the south coast.

Project Challenges

This was a live school site, with all works taking place during term time. It required an especially careful and considerate approach to minimise disruption while maintaining the highest safety standards. All operatives were fully Enhanced DBS checked, ensuring compliance with safeguarding requirements in an educational setting. To maintain ongoing safety and reliability, the scaffold was subject to weekly inspections throughout the twelve-week hire period. These checks ensured that the installation remained in excellent condition, with all protective measures operating as intended, despite the constant footfall of staff and pupils across the site.

Health & Safety

Health and safety were at the heart of this project. Every element of the scaffold design and installation was carefully planned and monitored, with protective crash decks, overhead fans, and pink debris netting ensuring staff and pupils were shielded from any potential hazards. The perimeter Heras fencing created a secure boundary around the works, while weekly inspections provided ongoing assurance of compliance and performance. With the additional safeguard of Enhanced DBS-checked operatives, CNM Scaffolding demonstrated both technical expertise and a strong commitment to working responsibly within sensitive environments.

Key Highlights

Conclusion

The Fordwater Building project at Chichester High School highlights CNM Scaffolding's ability to deliver complex scaffolding solutions in challenging, live environments. By combining safety innovation, strict compliance, and a flexible, student-focused approach, the works were completed on time and with minimal disruption to the school.

Project Gallery