Management of Modular Classrooms and Facilities

Policy

This policy sets out requirements for schools using, maintaining and modifying relocatable modular classrooms and facilities, provided through the Victorian School Building Authority’s (VSBA) Modular Classrooms Program (MCP).

Summary

• The VSBA operates the MCP (formerly known as the Relocatable Building Program) as a limited program to deliver relocatable modular classrooms and facilities to schools.
• Schools must clean and maintain modular classrooms and facilities in the same way as permanent buildings.
• Schools must not make permanent structural alterations to modular classrooms and facilities.
• Schools may conduct minor works on modular classrooms and facilities, such as installing cupboards and benches.
• This policy falls within the 'Manage' stage of the School Asset Lifecycle.

Details

Modular classrooms and facilities are a cost-effective, relocatable, flexible and rapid means of supplementing existing classrooms and facilities for schools with fluctuating enrolments. They can also be used to provide temporary accommodation during emergencies and capital works.

For more information about how the VSBA allocates modular classrooms and facilities through the MCP, refer to the Allocation of modular classrooms information in the Guidance tab.

As part of their responsibility for maintaining school facilities, schools must:

• clean and maintain modular classrooms and facilities in the same way as permanent buildings
• not make permanent structural alterations to modular classrooms and facilities. Any galleries, decks, covered walkways or additions installed by schools must be structurally independent from the modular classroom or facility. When the VSBA removes a modular classroom or facility, the school will be responsible for any necessary demolition or modification costs related to such alterations
• not remove any fixtures or fittings provided by the MCP (including those replaced by the school). These are to remain in the building for transfer
• discuss and confirm anticipated enrolment growth requiring extra spaces with their Regional Provision Planning Manager.

Schools may:

• conduct minor works on modular classrooms and facilities such as installing cupboards and benches (not across module joins), general maintenance and repairs, security cameras, and downpipes
• contact their department Regional Provision Planning Manager or the VSBA for further guidance.

Schools must not:

• install central hubs for power, communication systems or other services in modular classrooms and facilities. Schools will have to move these services if the modular building is required on another site
• install solar power systems on modular classrooms and facilities due to the temporary and relocatable nature of these buildings. Solar power systems are required to be installed on permanent buildings with a roof that is in good condition. Installation of solar on a temporary building would directly impact on the cost-effectiveness and the expected lifespan of the system. For additional guidance, please refer to the Sustainable Facilities policy and Building Quality Standards Handbook. For more information, please contact the VSBA’s Modular Classrooms team on Modular.Classrooms@education.vic.gov.au

Definitions

Relocatable modular classroom and facility
Relocatable modular classrooms and facilities are non-permanent additional buildings provided to schools to meet enrolment growth or provide temporary accommodation during emergencies or capital works.

Related policies

• Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Compliance
• Enrolment