After identifying the need for additional learning facilities to help students hit key educational targets, Carrington Junior School turned to S Jones Containers for advice.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on primary level education, with multiple studies revealing stark results. Children born during the pandemic who are now reaching school age are reportedly slower at developing key language, cognitive and social skills according to official government data. As a result, many schools are implementing additional measures to limit the impact, including Carrington Junior School in Flackwell Heath.
Recognising that a small group of students needed additional support to ensure they fully understood the curriculum, the school’s senior management team decided the best option would be to provide a dedicated long-term space. With this being unachievable within the estate’s existing buildings, an alternative solution was required.
Using an area of outdoor space, the school chose to invest its funds in modular classrooms. The senior team turned to S Jones Containers to provide a robust and cost-effective solution. Following in-depth discussions to fully understand the school’s needs, the S Jones Containers’ conversions team designed and built two 6m x 2.5m prefabricated modular units. The linked containers were split into two rooms using a partition wall with a doorway to offer easy access to both sides. The wall was also designed to be moveable, enabling the space to convert into one large room.
To allow the benefit of natural light in the space, large windows were installed along both sides of the units, in addition to the front door featuring a glass panel. A decorative fascia was added around the top outside edges of the unit which helped the new building blend in with the surrounding existing structures on the school grounds.
The modular classroom was also fitted with multiple sockets so that teaching could be conducted seamlessly using electrical equipment. Heaters were installed on both sides of the unit for additional comfort in the colder months.
Before delivery of the modular units, S Jones Containers’ team undertook a site visit to the school to advise on the best location to install the unit and lay the foundations. The conversions team also provided comprehensive support to ensure the local council’s planning regulations were fully met.
Following the installation of the modular classrooms, Carrington Junior School was able to ensure students received the additional support they needed.
Speaking about the process, Emma Cameron, Headteacher at Carrington Junior School, said: “We did initially look at wooden structures for our new classrooms, however an external modular classroom was the better option for us as it had longevity and flexibility. After speaking to the conversions team at S Jones Containers, we decided bespoke modular units, which were designed for our exact requirements, would be the best option for our teaching space. We’re really pleased with the finished classrooms.”
Andy Nicholls, part of the Technical Engineering Sales team at S Jones Containers added: “Modular classrooms are very popular solutions for the education sector to help create additional space when construction is not an option. Not only are they high quality and durable, but they can also be installed with minimal disruption to both teachers and students.”
