Article
A Game-Changer for SEN Provision: How a Modular Building is Transforming Beacon Hill School
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the demand for high-quality Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is a pressing concern for local authorities and educational institutions across the country. For Beacon Hill School, a specialist provision in North Tyneside, the challenge of meeting this growing demand has been met with an innovative and inspiring solution: a bespoke modular building designed and constructed by TG Escapes. The building provides 10 classrooms including 2 PMLD bases, hygiene rooms, a staff room and a sensory room as well as ample storage for specialist equipment. This new facility has not only expanded the school’s capacity but has also had a profound and positive impact on the learning environment, the well-being of its pupils, and the school’s ability to deliver its specialised curriculum.
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eacon Hill School caters to pupils aged 2-19 with a wide range of complex needs, including severe and profound learning difficulties, physical and sensory impairments, and autism. As the demand for SEND places in the borough continued to rise, the school found itself in a position where it needed to expand its facilities to accommodate an additional 60 pupils. The challenge lay in creating a space that was not only functional and compliant with all relevant regulations, but also a nurturing and stimulating environment that would cater to the diverse and specific needs of its pupils. The solution was provided by TG Escapes, a company renowned for its biophilic design principles and commitment to creating educational spaces that connect pupils with nature, thereby enhancing well-being and learning.
The building features:
• The use of natural materials, such as timber, at every opportunity.
• State-of-the-art acoustics and lighting solutions.
• Utilising the best technologies like automatic door systems that work for wider door sets to accommodate large wheelchair access.
• Secure hoists and access platform lifts. • Plenty of storage for equipment. • Sensory spaces with fixed swings.
• An internal climbing wall to support pupil mobility.
• A variety of room sizes over 2 floors made possible by the bespoke panelised system
• Easy access to a secure outdoor sheltered activity space, that is fully DDA compliant.
16 Autumn 2025 issue 4181
The impact of this new building on the school has been multifaceted and far-reaching. The most immediate and tangible benefit is, of course, rapid increased capacity. The addition of 60 places in just 49 weeks onsite, has been a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for SEN provision in the local area, ensuring that more children with complex needs have access to the specialist education and support they require. However, the impact of the building extends far beyond simply providing more space. The design of the new facility has enabled the school to implement a more zoned approach to learning, creating distinct areas tailored to the specific needs of different groups of pupils. This has allowed for a more tailored and effective delivery of the curriculum, while also providing opportunities for pupils to interact and socialize in a managed and supportive environment.
The design of the building also reflects a deep understanding of the needs of the pupils at Beacon Hill School. A key feature of the new facility is a raised external area that provides safe and secure access to the outdoors. For children with complex physical and sensory needs, the opportunity to spend time outside can be incredibly beneficial for their well- being and development.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project has been the way in which the construction process itself was turned into a valuable learning experience for the pupils. Recognizing the unique educational opportunity that a live construction site presents, the school, in collaboration with the construction team, organized a tour of the site for a group of students. This provided them with a firsthand look at the building process, from the foundations to the final touches, and gave them an insight into the worlds of architecture, engineering, and construction. For pupils with a passion for design and technology, this was an invaluable experience that brought their classroom learning to life and opened their eyes to potential future career paths.
The project stands as a shining example of how innovative design and a collaborative approach can create educational spaces that not only meet the practical needs of a school but also enhance the learning experience of the pupils they serve. For other schools and local authorities facing similar challenges, the Beacon Hill School project offers a compelling case for the power of panelised modular construction and biophilic design to deliver truly inspiring and impactful learning environments.
“TG Escapes have been an excellent contractor to work with. Their attention to detail, timeliness of communications, and quality of product is exceptional. It has been a pleasure to have them deliver this scheme.”
Rachel Coyne, School Organisation and Investment Manager, North Tyneside Council
To view an interactive 360 walkthrough, follow this QR code.
For more information call 0800 917 7726, email
info@tgescapes.co.uk or visit
www.tgescapes.co.uk
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