September’s Project of the Month: OAK Scaffolding Limited: Caterham School

We’re proud to feature Oak Scaffolding Limited as our latest Project of the Month, showcasing their expertise and precision on the Caterham School project.

Faced with the challenge of erecting an internal scaffold over a fully filled swimming pool, Oak Scaffolding delivered a safe, innovative solution built on meticulous planning, technical skill, and the support of SMART Estimator.

Built on Safety. Delivered with Expertise.

A CITB-registered company, Oak Scaffolding provides safe and reliable scaffolding across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. With a fully trained workforce and a strong focus on compliance, their mission is clear: to enable every other trade to work safely and efficiently.

As the first on-site and the last to leave, Oak Scaffolding ensures access solutions are delivered with safety, skill, and reliability at the heart of every project.

The Project: Caterham School

The scope of works required the team to design and install an internal birdcage scaffold with two working lifts to facilitate roofing works.

Key challenges included:

• Safely spanning a fully filled swimming pool without draining or disturbing it
• Delivering secure, multi-level working platforms for roofing trades
• Overcoming restricted site access, with materials transported through a single door and limited storage on site

To meet these demands, Oak Scaffolding designed a beamed solution to bridge the pool and ensure safe access. Careful logistical planning allowed materials to be positioned strategically, and close collaboration with the main contractor ensured the programme stayed on track.

Overcoming Extreme Conditions:

One of the standout difficulties was the working environment. The scaffold was erected during the summer months when internal pool hall temperatures regularly exceeded 40°C.

Oak’s operatives had to carefully manage hydration, rest periods, and safety protocols to maintain performance in the heat. Temporary handrails were also installed to protect against falls into the pool, while detailed risk assessments and method statements were implemented to safeguard operatives and the client’s property.

SMART Estimator in Action:

SMART Estimator played a pivotal role in planning and delivering this project:

• 3D Scaffold Models gave clients a clear, professional preview of the design
• Direct load lists enabled yard operatives to prepare materials in advance, reducing delays on site
• Accurate costings and resource planning confirmed profitability and ensured the right manpower was allocated
• Clear communication between the office, yard, and site teams streamlined operations from start to finish

“Using SMART Estimator, we could model the scaffold in 3D, generate a direct load list, and prepare materials before they left the yard. This saved time, reduced errors, and ensured the scaffold went up safely on the first attempt.”

Results and Reflections

The Caterham School project highlighted the importance of planning, risk management, and digital tools when tackling complex environments. Despite extreme heat, restricted access, and sensitive conditions, Oak Scaffolding delivered a safe, reliable scaffold that supported roofing works without disruption.

Key takeaways included:

• The value of collaborating closely with contractors to overcome site challenges
• The role of detailed digital planning in streamlining delivery
• The importance of safety-first thinking in high-risk environments

Looking Ahead:

With exciting projects on the horizon, including works on a Grade I listed building, Oak Scaffolding continues to grow as a trusted provider of tailored scaffolding solutions. By combining technical skill with modern digital tools like SMART Estimator, they are building a reputation for delivering safe, efficient, and innovative access solutions across the UK.

Built for Scaffolders Like Oak Scaffolding:

SMART Scaffolder equips modern scaffolding businesses with the tools to plan, price, and present projects with total clarity. From sensitive environments like Caterham School to large-scale commercial builds, we help scaffolders deliver smarter, safer scaffolding every time.