Sacred Heart Primary School

This is a new Primary level Special Education Needs base, with an extension and careful reconfiguration of a historic building, on a sensitive campus of 7 Protected Structures. With 460sqm of new accommodation, this is a significant, sustainable addition to the school, with the needs of the students at heart.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

The new SEN base is located to promote inclusivity and accessibility, sharing open social spaces with the mainstream elements of the school as much as possible. It is visible, integrated, and connected to the existing school, close to the main entrance door of the school; an inclusive and dignified arrangement where all students arrive together and enter via the same door.

Promoting Difference and Diversity

The Central Activity Space and Sensory Garden are not only a shared space between the 2 class bases, but a more social space linked with the mainstream school element to promote contact with mainstream students, in a prominent and visible position where it can be used for group work, drama, and for students to play and express themselves.

Careful Design and Flexible Arrangements

We are particularly interested in how best to provide for students with special educational needs, and how needs of the students and school may change over time. Our new classrooms focus on student placement in a flexible arrangement that may change as a student’s learning needs develop, giving students with different needs the opportunity to be included in mainstream classrooms where appropriate.

A Positive Atmosphere

We know that investment in school design increases staff morale, student motivation and effective learning time. Good school design also results in better relationships with the local community, better recruitment and retention of staff, and easier supervision of pupils at break and lunch times.

Our focus is on creating a people-centred environment that caters to children with varying abilities and needs, while also supporting the families and staff. Our additions will help embed the school within the community and strengthen a connection and relationship between children, staff, and families.