Southwark Council noted the demand for a special school for autism in the area. Their aim was to create a school that would provide the same level and quality of education as its partner school, Spa School Bermondsey which was awarded an Ofsted ‘Outstanding in all areas’ in 2015/16.

Spa School’s vision is to ensure that all students are happy, safe and healthy and can achieve at every level. They focus on developing self-advocacy and independence whilst improving communication, behaviour and social interaction.

The new school had to support this vision with versatile teaching spaces ensuring that each student would receive a tailor-made development programme meeting their specific individual needs. Facilities had to support various forms of education including development therapies, sensory programmes and different types of sport and movement activities.

In addition, the building had to be highly sustainable and energy efficient with a strong emphasis on the use of natural light and ventilation.

The new school offers a wide variety of special learning spaces including classrooms, a science lab, art room, music room, food technology room, multi-use hall, library, soft play area, sensory/calm rooms and drama studio.

The finishes are a muted pallet with design aesthetic aimed at low stimulus. It includes social areas, tables, work stations, a reading corner and a visual timetable. The school is also surrounded by peaceful outdoor spaces for play and relaxation time. The grounds have been landscaped to provide a garden, cycle storage and multiple play areas.

The new building’s form is designed to maximise natural light and natural ventilation. It houses the reception, staff rooms, teaching spaces, a new lift and staircase. Energy efficient features include motion detection light switches, daylight detecting and energy saving lighting, variable speed drives on pumps and fans, heat recovery on ventilation plant, BMS control, and smart meters with energy monitoring and reporting facilities.

The completed project enables the school to form part of the community where teachers can work closely with parents and carers to contribute to each student’s progress. Various versatile facilities are on hand to support all students and help them to develop at their own pace including smaller classes for younger students to allow for extra support in the school.

Schools are left struggling to meet the needs of the most vulnerable pupils, therefore having a SEN school like Spa School located in the community is a great benefit to all. As a result, special needs students in the area do not have to travel out of their borough to find a school that caters to their needs.

Spa School has met the vision and mission of our client and key stakeholders to have a purpose-built facility through which to expand their services. This new school for Southwark and DFE will have a significant impact on the community and all students who get a chance to attend their facility.