Sybil Andrews Academy Special Educational Needs and Disability unit nears completion

A new Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) unit for 18 pupils in Bury St Edmunds has moved a step closer with building work nearing a conclusion.

The new unit, named ‘The Abbey’, will open in September on the grounds of Sybil Andrews Academy.

Representatives from the school, Suffolk County Council, Unity Schools Partnership, Concertus and Barnes Construction recently visited the site to see the completed roof and watertight building.

Georgina Ellis, SEND Director at Unity, which will run the hub, said: “We are delighted to see building work progressing so well on this important educational unit. We look forward to opening in September and welcoming our first cohort of students.”

The new single-storey SEND unit will cater to Key Stages 3 and 4 pupils in two new classrooms, two new group rooms, and office space for staff. The design also includes carefully planned outdoor spaces to promote outdoor learning.

Andrew Reid, Cabinet member for Education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said: “The Abbey is part of the County Council’s investment of £55 million in SEND provision across Suffolk. I am pleased that Governors have had an opportunity to see the building work in progress and I am looking forward to visiting the unit when it opens in September.”

Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, who were the original design and property consultants of Sybil Andrews Academy, said: “We are passionate about supporting Suffolk County Council in creating calming and inspiring environments to allow pupils to develop independence and self-confidence.

“A highly valued relationship has been created between the project team and the school over the past nine years so we are confident that the needs of the children will be met with the creation of the new unit. We are thrilled that the project is making fantastic progress.”