TG Escapes, through original end-user research and in collaboration with Haverstock Architects and The Blue Iris Partnership, have designed Inclusive Learning Hubs to support SEND and SEMH. This collaboration has informed the development of pre-designed, DfE Spec 21 compliant solutions for both primary and secondary settings using a modular timber frame system.
The escalating shortage of SEND and SEMH provision across the UK has reached a critical point, leaving many parents, schools and local authorities deeply concerned and struggling to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable children. In response to these needs, mainstream schools are being called upon to enhance their specialist resource provision, while specialist schools are working hard to expand their capacities. Ofsted’s emphasis on demonstrable inclusion underscores the importance of this work.
Modular Construction is well understood to be a quick and cost-effective way to provide education buildings. However, there are many misconceptions about the suitability of modular buildings for students with additional needs, particularly their robustness, acoustics, lack of design flexibility, bouncy floors, etc.
The escalating shortage of SEND and SEMH provision across the UK has reached a critical point, leaving many parents, schools and local authorities deeply concerned and struggling to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable children. In response to these needs, mainstream schools are being called upon to enhance their specialist resource provision, while specialist schools are working hard to expand their capacities. Ofsted’s emphasis on demonstrable inclusion underscores the importance of this work.
Modular Construction is well understood to be a quick and cost-effective way to provide education buildings. However, there are many misconceptions about the suitability of modular buildings for students with additional needs, particularly their robustness, acoustics, lack of design flexibility, bouncy floors, etc.
Principles
Specifications and Funding
These 16-place and 32-place concepts meet DfE Output Specification-21 standards for robustness, fire safety, acoustics, sustainability, and adaptability.
Timber Frame construction is inherently robust. As a natural product, timber has an impressive strength-weight ratio, making the perfect construction product. The walls use severe-duty plasterboard, which has the highest robustness rating available. Acoustic standards in BB93 are achieved with standardised acoustic wall types along with Class A Ceilings and Acoustic Bass Pads.
Every setting has unique requirements so TG Escapes provide free tailored designs featuring a variety of spaces which can be used to support students with a range of needs including ASD, ADHD, MSI, and SEMH.
The hubs are also designed with funding requirements in mind, allowing academies, free schools, and local authorities to confidently apply for grants.
Delivery
The key elements of these designs are already completed and ready to go, facilitating significantly reduced lead times, whilst each building can be tailored to meet specific needs. By utilising a modular timber frame system, the construction process is both expedient and sustainable: timber, as a renewable resource, plays a critical role in reducing the carbon footprint.
The net-zero 32-place setting can be completed in 30 weeks onsite at a cost of £2.4m or £75,000 per student, the 16-place setting in 24 weeks onsite at a cost of £1.4m or £87,500 per student. Costs quoted include secure outdoor areas but exclude planting and equipment.
You can view a video flythrough of the 32-place setting here
