Broughton Primary School Summer House Project

Broughton Primary School Parent Council's primary purpose is to promote a partnership between the school, pupils, and parents whilst supporting the educational wellbeing of students through various activities and fundraising initiatives.

Their summer house replacement project has demonstrated how community-led initiatives can create lasting social infrastructure in rural settings. Following the deterioration of the initial structure of the summer house, the Parent Council developed a robust plan for a replacement facility that served as a vital community hub for its pupils and community members.

The Broughton Parent Council's experience provides valuable insights into how volunteer groups could consider approaching value for money when applying for grant funding, which does not necessarily mean selecting the cheapest quote or lowest cost option. True value for money encompasses a broader evaluation that includes quality, sustainability, longevity, and long-term community benefit.

The Challenge
In June 2022, the Parent Council received £9,811 from the Nadara Glenkerie Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund to construct a summer house within the school's community garden. The structure was intended to provide an indoor space where people could enjoy refreshments and shelter on cooler days, complementing the outdoor garden area. Over time, the space evolved to include donated toys and books, becoming a regular meeting place for parents with toddlers, a community library, and a social hub used by people of all generations.

Unfortunately, the original structure deteriorated within two years due to fundamental construction flaws. The summer house had not been installed on a concrete foundation and was constructed using poor quality, untreated timber materials. The Scottish weather conditions proved too harsh for the structure, with the building suffering extensive damage during two consecutive winters and high winds. The internal contents became contaminated with mould, including the internal slats, while damaged panels created sharp edges that posed health and safety risks.

The deterioration resulted in the complete loss of a well-utilised community space that had been serving approximately 200 people annually. All contents had to be disposed of due to mould contamination, and the space became unusable. The loss prompted numerous community members to approach the Parent Council, expressing disappointment and asking about replacement plans, highlighting how integral the facility had become to local social life.

The Solution
Learning from the initial setback, the Parent Council sought professional advice from a local joiner who inspected the deteriorated building and its positioning. He recommended a custom-built construction using quality materials specifically chosen to withstand the exposed position and wet conditions typical of Scottish weather.

The proposed replacement structure was to be built on concrete block foundations and include insulation, external cladding, laminated safety glass in doors and windows, air vents, and an overhanging roof design. Additionally, drainpipes directed water into a collection butt for use in the community garden, while the enhanced design prevented water accumulation on the roof. The total project cost was £9,350, covering both materials and labour, with a three-year warranty provided by the local contractor.  The construction costs were kept lower as in-kind time was donated to support with the construction phase. 

Outcomes and Impact
The replacement summer house restored an important community resource that serves multiple user groups throughout the year. School pupils once again had access to an indoor shelter during poor weather conditions, while the facility continued to function as a meeting space for parents with toddlers who regularly visited the community garden. 

The space resumed its role as a community library and social meeting point outside school hours, with discussions underway about potentially expanding its use as an after-school hub with parent volunteers.

The project's impact has extended beyond immediate users to address broader community development needs in this rural setting. The facility has continued to provide essential social infrastructure that has enabled inter-generational interaction and helped combat isolation, particularly important for older residents who had limited mobility or transport options. 

Lessons Learned and Risk Management
The project demonstrated significant organisational learning following the initial construction setback. The Parent Council recognised that their original approach had prioritised cost over quality, resulting in a false economy when the structure deteriorated prematurely. They embraced the importance of professional expertise and local knowledge in selecting appropriate construction methods for challenging weather conditions. The Parent Council also gained appreciation for the true value of community facilities, as evidenced by the strong reaction to the facility's loss from regular users.

Understanding Value for Money in Community Projects
The original summer house appeared to offer good value at £9,811, but the rapid deterioration within two years meant the community lost both the facility and the entire investment. In contrast, the replacement project at £9,350 represented genuine value for money because it incorporated quality materials, professional construction methods, and design features specifically chosen for longevity in challenging Scottish weather conditions.

When volunteer groups evaluate grant applications and construction quotes, it's helpful to consider the total cost of ownership over the facility's expected lifespan rather than simply the initial outlay. Factors such as maintenance requirements, replacement costs, insurance implications, and the potential for service disruption should all be weighted alongside the purchase price. A more expensive initial investment that provides decades of reliable service often represents far better value than a cheaper option that requires frequent repairs or early replacement.

Grant funders, including Foundation Scotland, recognise this holistic approach to value for money, understanding that sustainable community infrastructure requires appropriate investment in quality construction and materials.