Brief
“It was a pleasure for the team to deliver this important project. Increasing SEND school places in the area will undoubtedly benefit local children and their families. The space we have built was designed perfectly for its purpose by Concertus, and we would like to thank them for their support throughout.”
Simon Hubert, Contracts Manager, SEH French Limited
We were asked to provide a unit that would meet the needs of Key Stage 1 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The standalone extension needed to create a state-of-the-art environment to support children, allowing them to learn and grow at the school.
This project was necessary to ensure children in Suffolk could be educated in an environment which would help them to fulfil their potential.
Key Info
Location:
Lowestoft, Suffolk
Project Type:
New Build
Client:
Suffolk County Council –
Children and Young People
Contractor:
SEH French Limited
Contract Type:
JCT Intermediate Building Contract
with Contractors Design
Project Value:
£1.2 million
Project Completion:
July 2023
Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Estates + Development Management, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy, Structural + Civil Engineering
Imagery
Scope
Concertus have been working closely with Suffolk County Council on a programme of works to provide new SEND schools and SEND units for schools across Suffolk.
Using our knowledge and experience gained from working on previous SEND schemes, we implemented our Architecture team’s template design for SEND units. The template was developed specifically for this school site, reducing the design time and subsequent costs for the project. We took lessons learnt from previous SEND projects and feedback from Headteachers to build upon what works well, for example robust materials and tough paint finishes. Colour and material choices were consistent with the existing school building, allowing the unit to blend into the surroundings and match the school branding. The new block was built with masonry construction and a flat felt roof. SEND units at Stowupland and Copleston were completed using the same method of construction for durability and flexibility, enabling the possibility of extensions in the future if required. Materials were chosen with the lowest embodied carbon or which would reduce the carbon emissions of the building. Aluminium windows and doors were fitted throughout, delivering a stronger alternative to plastic and with better insulation qualities.
Regular engagement sessions with the end user allowed us to ensure their requirements were met. Following an early meeting to present our plans, we were informed that the school needed more storage. Our team accommodated this within the revised plans and kept the end user and client updated throughout. In addition to the new block (including a classroom, group room, sensory space, and accessible toilets), we provided landscaping works, an additional car park fitted with electrical vehicle chargers, and upgrades to the school’s electrical supply.
This scheme involved a new access and crossing point onto the highway for the car park, as well as works for the service connections. By liaising closely with Highways we were able to manage the highway works (including highway permits and inspections) without the programme being impacted.
Testimonial
“We are incredibly proud to be working on another important project to increase SEND provision in Suffolk. Oulton Broad Primary School provides local children with a great space to learn, and this extension will compliment that. We’d like to thank Suffolk County Council and Concertus for the opportunity to be a part of this project.”
Simon Girling, Director, SEH French Limited
“The specialist places at Oulton Broad Primary are part of the County Council’s £45 million SEND Transformation Programme. We are really pleased to be working with an outstanding primary school to deliver much needed specialist places in the Lowestoft area. These places will make a huge difference to the lives of the children who attend and to their families.”
Rachel Hood, Cabinet member for Education, SEND and Skills at Suffolk County Council
Result
Regular engagement sessions with the end user allowed us to ensure their requirements were met.
Our collaborative team delivered a secure SEND provision within budget. The new facility supports students with SEND in a welcoming environment which is appropriate for their needs and within a mainstream school close to their homes.