Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments

For many students with special educational needs, the educational environment presents a bewildering array of emotional, practical, social, communication and sensory challenges. Having designed or been technical advisors on over 2000 Special Educational Needs (SEN) places we believe the lessons learnt from these projects should be applied to all educational buildings to provide greater inclusivity for all.  

By understanding the impact of personal space on student movement and transitional points, the impact of colour and texture on the sensory experience, and the relationship between the internal and external environment, we can create sensory environments that support student wellbeing and create a sense of place. These principles are applied to all our education designs to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that consider the needs of all students.  

As designers, we need to think very carefully about all aspects of our buildings when designing fully inclusive environments.

Penarth Learning Community, Wales 

Penarth Learning Community brings together spaces for special educational needs alongside those of a mainstream secondary school. This 23,500 square metre development in the Vale of Glamorgan creates a fully inclusive learning community that enables students and staff to thrive in this award winning, specialist facility. 

"In everything the architects did, it was clear that they wanted us to have what we needed for the pupils. Great effort was made to include all stakeholders, which is no mean feat in a school such as this. Pupils’ views were sought, staff were talked to and listened to, and parents were engaged. Consequently, there's a real sense of ownership of the school - something that's not always apparent in a new build."

Christopher Britten, Headteacher Ysgol Y Deri in Penarth

Greenmead & Ronald Ross Schools, London 

The design for Greenmead and Ronald Ross schools integrates a 72 place SEN Primary School for pupils with primarily physical disabilities and a one form of entry (one class in each year) mainstream primary school to foster inclusion whilst maintaining each school’s need for identity and unique teaching and support spaces. 

"From the start HLM initiated a careful design consultation, involving the whole school community. What has been impressive is how our needs and preferences have come to fruition in the building itself, and the impact this has had on the quality of teaching and learning."

Mrs Abigail Brady, Headteacher at Ronald Ross 

Illogan and Curnow Schools, Cornwall 

The newly adapted and expanded Illogan Primary school facility for 242 pupils in Cornwall, aims to provide an enhanced contemporary learning environment and SEN facilities for the newly co-located Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils of the nearby Curnow school; improving upon the efficiencies at Illogan whilst enhancing internal teaching accommodation and delivering a more dynamic outdoor learning/play environment. 

 Supportive learning environments that consider the needs of all students. 

This article is a snippet from our new Education brochure, follow this link to download a copy and find out how we're making better places.

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