Stotfold Boys School in 1904

Bedfordshire County Council became Local Education Authority for the county in 1903, following the Education Act 1902. In 1904 the CountySurveyor reported on the condition of all the council and voluntary schools in the county under LEA control, excluding those on Bedford and Luton Boroughs which had their own executive arrangements. The surveyor's report [ref: E/SA2/1/1] took the form below.

These premises are brick built and slated.

Main Room - 46ft x 18ft x 13ft to 17ft

The general repair is good. 

Lighting is by five windows in deal cased frames. 

Ventilation is by sashes and two ceiling openings. 

N.B. - The bottom sashes should be blocked up 3in., to ventilate at meeting rails. 

An exhaust ventilator is also necessary. 

Heating is by Tortoise Stove which should be moved nearer to centre of room. 

Class Room - 22ft 6in x 18ft x 13ft to 17ft

Lighting by two windows, as above. 

Ventilation is by five openings in windows, and one ceiling flap. 

An exhaust ventilator is necessary. 

Heating is by 15in. Tortoise Stove. 

Class Room - 29ft x 18ft x 13ft to 17ft 

Lighting is by seven window openings and a ceiling opening. 

Heating by No. 3 Tortoise Stove. 

Class Room - 22ft x 6in x 8ft x 8ft 4in to 12ft 6in 

Lighted by glazing in framing. A pivot window, made to open, should be provided. 

Three lavatory basins are provided. 

The pump just outside needs repairing. 

Book Store - 9ft x 5ft x 9ft to 12ft 3in. 

This has a fixed window. 

Coal Store for School is provided. 

Offices 

These are pail closets. They show signs of careful and cleanly tending. Ventilation is by roof louvres. 

The doors should be shortened top and bottom to admit light and air. 

N.B. - While these places receive the same careful attention they will not be dangerous or offensive; otherwise they are too near the building and windows. 

Water Supply 

This is from a good well of water in playground, but only by the kitchen pump, as the pump in the yard was defective at the time of my visit, that should be early remedied. 

Play Grounds 

These are a good size, with gravelled surface. 

Boundary Fences

These are brick walls. 

The Premises are in good order except where the wet gets in from gutter over cloak room. 

Master's House

This is very roomy.

Sitting room - 13ft x 10ft x 8ft. Good condition. 

Living Room - 13ft x 11ft 6in. Paint needs renewing. Brick floor should be wood blocks; grate is very old and poor; outer door needs easing. 

Hall and stairs

These need renovating and an open window providing for ventilation.

Sitting Room - 16ft x 13ft. Good condition. 

Kitchen - 12ft 3in x 12ft 

This needs renovating and a new sink providing. 

Water Suply 

The water by pump is good. 

Lobby 

A new door should be provided here. 

Pantry - 9ft x 6ft 

The window needs making to open, and the door shortening for ventilation. 

Four Bedrooms 

Two are in good order, two need renovating. 

The window in the Bedroom over kitchen is too small. 

Linen Closet

This is in good order. 

Wash House 

The grate here is broken. The copper is good. 

Closet

This adjoins the general block and is the same type.