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Can modular buildings help solve the crisis in Special Educational Needs infrastructure?


students, but also creates a calming and inspiring environment conducive to learning. There have been several studies3


impacts of natural environments on children with autism, particularly the alleviation of sensory overload4


. S


END provision in the UK is increasingly failing to meet both the scale and quality needed to address rising demand. The new government has acknowledged these issues and taken early steps within the education sector. Initiatives include the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, which emphasises fair access for all students, and the rumoured phasing out of results-focused inspection regimes, which have previously discouraged children with specialist needs from attending some schools.


Both mainstream and specialist schools urgently need new buildings to accommodate growing student numbers and evolving educational requirements. Over half of UK special schools are operating beyond their intended capacity1


increased by 100,0002


, while SEND pupil numbers in the last year. The


situation is already critical and taking action as soon as possible is crucial. However, it is essential that new SEND spaces are tailored to meet students’ unique needs in terms of design, layout, and features. Factors such as lighting, window placement, ventilation and acoustics can significantly impact SEND students’ mental health and focus.


Modular construction offers a swift and efficient solution to this pressing issue. Modular buildings can be completed in a consistently shorter timeframe than traditional brick-and-mortar solutions, ensuring that new facilities are available as soon as possible with minimal disruption to existing school activities. Today’s modular buildings are permanent, high-quality structures that retain the benefits of modular construction. Off-site manufacturing reduces waste and ensures strict adherence to design, while on-site installation is swift and unobtrusive.


They are also highly cost-effective, with reduced material and labour costs, alongside long-term savings when specified to meet net zero. When utilising a panelised approach (where buildings are constructed from


Ten classrooms building for students with PMLD and Autism at Beacon Hill School 18 Autumn 2024 issue 4177


finished panels assembled on-site), there is a huge degree of freedom in the design process, ensuring the finished building is closely tailored to SEND students and their unique needs. This customisation includes design elements such as appropriate lighting, soundproofing, breakout spaces, and sensory- friendly environments.


Acoustics are especially important for SEND students particularly those with autism, ADHD and sight-impairment, many of whom have enhanced hearing sensitivity. It can be notoriously difficult to achieve the required standards in many modular systems. However, through the use of well designed, high- performance acoustic panels it has been demonstrated that clarity of speech and low ambient noise levels across the building can be assured, helping pupils to feel comfortable. This approach stands in sharp contrast to the open-plan designs of many modern schools, which can result in noise levels that make it difficult for SEND pupils to learn effectively.


Biophilic design principles can also be a great addition to SEND buildings. While this approach was formally outlined in the 1980s, in recent years a wealth of evidence has shown that incorporating nature within a space can profoundly impact mood, stress, and concentration. These principles can be easily implemented at the design stage of modular buildings by using materials like timber, incorporating abundant natural light, and installing consistent access to outdoor spaces. This approach not only supports the mental and physical well-being of SEND


Long-term adaptability is also a key benefit of a modular build. Designed for many decades of regular use, modular buildings can incorporate high levels of ongoing customisation, either on a classroom level or in terms of the whole building. The flexibility afforded by adjustable walls and partitions ensures maximum use of limited space while allowing several SEND needs to be met simultaneously within one building. Both panelised and volumetric buildings can also be far simpler to expand over time than traditional masonry structures when planned into the initial designs. Many schools opt to construct larger buildings in sections over several years to improve affordability.


We believe that modular construction offers a good solution to the urgent need for significantly more SEND spaces while still ensuring a tailored, high-quality learning experience for every pupil.


Modular buildings are consistently quicker to build than traditional ones, with a greatly reduced installation time. They are cheaper, better for the environment, and easier to alter or upgrade over their extended lifespan. With the addition of biophilic design principles and excellent acoustics, modular buildings can offer a truly superior learning experience for SEND students, providing a calming, friendly, and focused environment.


TG Escapes design and build timber- frame solutions starting with a thoughtful consultation and design process, considering classroom placement, acoustics, access needs, and the incorporation of specialist areas like hygiene spaces, sensory and quiet rooms.


For more information call 0800 917 7726, email info@tgescapes.co.uk or visit www.tgescapes.co.uk.


1:https://schoolsweek.co.uk/two-thirds-of-special-schools-full-or- over-capacity-new-data-shows/


2:www.headteacher-update.com/content/news/number-of-students- with-sen-approaches-17-million/ (100,000 student growth)


3:www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829218305756 (Review of studies on nature and autism)


4:https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/11085017 (Study on nature and autism)


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