North Fawdon Primary School SuDS in Schools Scheme

Description

Flooding on Dykefield in Fawdon was first brought to the attention of the LLFA in 2024. The land is owned by the Council but is managed by the Freemen of the City of Newcastle in the same way as the Town Moors. Following initial investigations and discussions with the school adjacent to Dykefield, North Fawdon Primary, it was established that previous flood events at the school had been caused by surface water run-off from Dykefield. Flooding to rear gardens of properties on Creswell Drive was also reported. SuDS in Schools is a fund established by the Department for Education (DfE) to improve the resilience of schools to flooding issues by implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The LLFA applied for funding and was informed it had been successful in 2025. DfE funding is for a maximum of 50% of any project. The Northumbria Regional Flood & Coast Committee has subsequently agreed to match fund the other 50% of successful DfE bids. It is only practicable to undertake SuDS in Schools projects during the summer holidays, given the timescales involved in the construction of these projects and the need to minimize disruption to the school and safety issues for staff and pupils. SuDS projects aim to manage storm water when conventional drainage systems are overwhelmed. Surface water is stored or "attenuated" in features like basins, swales or raingardens, which then slowly release water back into the environment once the peak of a storm has passed. As well reducing flood risk, features should be designed to deliver environmental, health and wellbeing and amenity benefits.