In the UK, around 1.7 million school pupils were identified with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in 2024, accounting for 18% of all pupils. This highlights the requirement for specialist provision in schools to cater to these students’ needs, whether these are mainstream or specialist schools.
Here at Premier Modular, we’re proud to deliver a range of temporary and permanent education projects to schools that need varying levels of SEND support, accommodating their needs through inclusive design.
Inclusive design is a great way to create high quality learning environments by providing bespoke and accessible buildings. Designing a building with a specialist curriculum in mind means schools can enjoy the benefits of an enhanced learning environment. When designing a SEND building, it’s key to understand the purpose of each room and space, so everyone can reach their full potential.
Beyond the physical
Where previously the focus was solely on making physical adjustments, such as installing ramps and lifts for wheelchair users, inclusive design has evolved to take a broader, more holistic approach. Considerations should extend to the introduction of calming spaces or sensitive lighting for those with autism or other SEND needs. Whilst physical adjustments of course remain essential, they’re now part of standard building practice, so it’s important to think beyond these provisions when designing a fully inclusive building.
Specialist facilities
SEND schools require specialist facilities that mainstream schools often don’t have the capacity to offer. Inclusive design means that facilities such as therapy rooms, quiet spaces, hygiene rooms and sensory rooms with controlled lighting can be incorporated from the get-go. For example, Bradfields Academy required a number of specialist rooms within their temporary addition to the main SEND school. This can also be incorporated into a mainstream school, like Beaver Road Primary School who incorporated a sensory room within a permanent school design to account for SEND needs. By including these features as a part of the building’s design, the school’s infrastructure can be crafted to reflect specific needs, enhancing the teaching and learning experience, and creating an outstanding educational environment where individual pupils can thrive.
Maximising space
Utlilising space is key for SEND schools. Wider corridors are needed to ensure wheelchair access, for example, and larger, more spacious classrooms enable key facilities, such as sensory areas, to be included. Additionally, as the number of students with SEND needs increases, it’s important for schools to be able to support them. We were able to help Nethergate Academy open an additional 48 spaces for pupils with the delivery of a new SEND facility.
Modular as a solution
Modular buildings offer the perfect solution to inclusive design in schools. No two schools are the same, they all come with different requirements and, due to modular construction’s adaptability and flexibility, it can cater to individual schools’ needs. Offsite construction also helps future-proof schools by providing facilities that can be easily reconfigured to meet curriculum changes. For example, interior walls can be moved around, or an entire building can even be relocated if necessary.
As modular buildings are manufactured offsite, they can be erected in a matter of days, affording much needed flexibility. To minimise disruption to school operations and ensure a smooth transition, modular education projects are often delivered swiftly during the weekends or school holidays.
Modular buildings are much less disruptive to install than regular construction projects. This not only minimises the effects on the local community but is also a critical benefit when working in a SEND setting, particularly with autistic children, to minimise the effects on students’ daily routine.
We’re experienced in delivering inclusive design projects for schools. To read more about some of our education projects, click here.
