The DfE are interested in working with delivery partners such as the Council to reduce the risk of surface water flooding to schools. The Council have been made aware funding is available to contribute towards installing Sustainable Drainage Systems
(SuDS) on school sites within the district. SuDS are drainage installations that primarily reduce flooding but also have multi functional benefits by supporting pupils mental and physical health, encouraging them outdoors, tackling air quality and making schools
grounds more climate resilient by responding to the climate emergency. SuDS interventions incorporate water play and natural play, eye-catching downpipes from roof areas, water butts, ponds, wetlands, stormwater planters, bug hotels, green roofs, vegetable
beds, sandpits, wildflowers and biodiverse planting etc. Well-designed SuDS will aim to create green, fun and educational play spaces to get kids and adults thinking about rainwater, the water cycle, wildlife and nature whilst also performing a key role in
managing surface water on a school site.
For this current funding bid the DfE will contribute up to 50% of the scheme costs up to £50k considering risk today and future climate change risk. Contributions will vary depending on if the school is a primary or secondary.
So if your school site suffers from surface water drainage problems, or is in an area prone to flooding please get in touch with the Councils Drainage Team @
drainage@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 433905. Even if this current funding cycle isn’t suitable, there will be future funding bids available and initiatives to get involved with. The more information the Drainage Team have on your sites will help us seek
out opportunities as they arise. We look forward to hearing from you.