50 Users in most of the schools visited had noted changes to the FM services they received compared with their old schools [Box E]. Service improvements under PFI included greater levels of responsiveness, particularly for day-to-day building maintenance. Most PFI providers offered a help-desk service for schools to report problems, and arranged for contractors to correct problems within agreed timescales. Many of the primary heads welcomed this development as taking a burden off them. However, some secondary heads were less enthusiastic as they were used to having their own on-site team that provided this service as and when it was required. Some LEAs used PFI as an opportunity to provide additional but increasingly necessary services. For example, security provision of some description was common in early PFI contracts.
The positive • 'Toilets are cleaned three times a day.' • 'The food is of much higher quality.' • 'Windows were cleaned once a year, now it is once a day and there is more glass now.' • 'All equipment is properly maintained for the first time!' • 'I no longer have to wear three pairs of socks' And the less positive • 'Support from LEAs has not been enough.' • 'We're not sure what to do with these kitchen areas.' • 'First days of term, belongings were piled up in reception area and it looked like Gatwick airport.' • 'Ninety per cent of my time has been devoted to PFI.' • 'We have had to teach the contractor how to do his job.' Source: Audit Commission interviews |