A partnership built on trust, not transactions
Facilities Management Solutions’ relationship with Slated Row School began in 2024, following an introduction made through the Milton Keynes Education Awards. What started as a simple conversation quickly became something far more meaningful.
From the very first visit, the culture of the school was unmistakable. Every classroom reflected care, compassion and pride, from the dedication of the teaching staff to the warmth of the learning environment created for pupils with complex needs. It was clear this was a community FMS wanted to stand alongside.
Rather than arriving with a sales agenda, FMS took time to understand how the school operated day to day, how its facilities were managed, and where support would genuinely make a difference. That approach laid the foundations for a relationship built on openness, trust and shared values.
Becoming a reliable extension of the school team
Over the following months, FMS began supporting the school with a range of reactive and planned maintenance works across both of its sites, one older campus and one more modern. From small repairs and decorating works through to ongoing facilities support, the focus was always the same: practical advice, fast response and high standards.
The school had previously relied on a large, national FM provider. By contrast, FMS was able to offer a more local, flexible and responsive service, something that quickly proved invaluable in a busy SEND environment where issues often need resolving without delay.
Stepping up under pressure
In the summer of 2025, the school faced a significant challenge. Two major classroom refurbishments were scheduled to take place during the school holidays, a narrow window where everything had to run smoothly to avoid disruption to pupils returning in September.
Just before works began, a key member of the school’s site team was unexpectedly signed off long-term due to health issues. With multiple contractors arriving, the school suddenly faced a major coordination and programme risk.
This was the moment FMS stepped up.
Rather than limiting its role to contracted works, FMS took on a hands-on, project-management approach, working closely with the school to keep programmes on track, coordinate contractors, and resolve issues as they arose. When quality issues emerged elsewhere, the FMS team stayed late, addressed snags and ensured every space was completed to the standard the school deserved.
Delivering practical improvements that make a difference
Maximising space without the need for expansion.
Alongside the wider refurbishment works, FMS also identified opportunities to improve how spaces are being used across the school.
What had previously been underutilised or impractical areas were transformed into purposeful, functional environments that better supported both staff and pupils.
This included:
- Transforming a former store room into a fully functional staff office, creating valuable workspace within an existing footprint
- Converting an underused room into a calm, practical breakout space
- Enhancing staff working areas to better support day-to-day operations
Each improvement was designed with the school’s needs in mind: practical, durable and easy to maintain, ensuring the spaces worked harder for the people using them every day.
Outcomes that went beyond the brief
All classrooms were completed on time and ready for the new academic year. More importantly, the school felt supported during a period that could easily have become overwhelming.
The impact was felt immediately. By the October half term, further improvement projects were already under way, with the school increasingly viewing FMS not as an external supplier, but as a trusted extension of its own team.
As Headteacher Zoe later shared:
“I don’t know how I’d have coped without your support.”
She has since continued to praise the FMS team for their reliability, commitment and care, feedback that means as much to FMS as the successful delivery of the works themselves.
A partnership with purpose
In July 2025, Zoe was named Headteacher of the Year at the Milton Keynes Education Awards, a recognition that reflected the leadership, compassion and dedication at the heart of Slated Row School.
For FMS, this case story perfectly captures what outstanding customer service truly means:
- stepping up when circumstances change
- caring deeply about outcomes, not just outputs
- and delivering excellence with empathy, integrity and heart
Supporting Slated Row School is not just a project, it’s a partnership FMS is proud to continue, helping create safe, welcoming and well-maintained environments for children who need them most.
Looking ahead, the partnership continues to grow. Planned future works include a larger toilet refurbishment and the creation of a secure external bin store, helping to improve both hygiene and the overall appearance of the school environment.
The partnership continues to evolve… FMS is working closely with the school to gradually implement a full Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme, ensuring the site remains safe, compliant and well-maintained for the long term.
If you’re looking for a facilities management partner who takes the time to understand your environment, responds when it matters most and delivers work to a consistently high standard, we’d love to hear from you.
To discuss your requirements, please contact our team at [email protected] or call 01908 034040.