Silverwood SEND School

The school’s design incorporates two entrances, managing the beginning and end of each day, with the option to divide the different age groups and needs. All areas are wheelchair accessible, encouraging safe exploration and enjoyment of the outdoors.

The entrances lead into three connected wings of fully inclusive teaching space, organised by age and needs, using a “school within a school” concept. This promotes meaningful interaction and learning experiences in smaller ‘cluster’ spaces without anyone feeling overwhelmed.

Each “school within a school” is connected by a dining area, an open and welcoming space, with expansive views of the courtyards. The courtyards sit at the heart of the school, seamlessly blending the inside and outside, creating cohesion across the spaces.

Our design prioritises inclusivity, with dedicated 'distraction-free' breakout spaces, group rooms and shared sensory and soft areas. A high level of security is prioritised, with an interior layout tailored for wayfinding and maximised opportunities for passive supervision, whilst also providing community access.

Preserving the site's historic character, we repurposed Rowdeford House into science classrooms. By incorporating special access routes, we have made use of the existing utilities, seamlessly integrating the classrooms which simultaneously meet the necessary classroom size requirements.

The hydrotherapy pool and adjacent changing spaces are fully equipped with hoist track system, to support interactive and therapeutic learning activities with no limitations. For greater privacy and comfort, the pool also benefits from a waiting room.

The ceiling-installed hoist access also allows for greater flexibility when using the sanitary and changing facilities. The hygiene rooms can be accessed directly from classrooms, to ensure needs are met with dignity and convenience, with minimal disruption to learning.

Greenery is incorporated throughout the design, encouraging students to connect with the outdoors, improving their wellbeing by reducing stress and calming the mind as well as creating a 10% biodiversity net gain. Nestled in an open woodland, the design required careful consideration for safety and security of the students. We strategically integrated safe pathways throughout the school grounds, prioritising safety and wellbeing with secure routes around the grounds.

To further enhance students’ learning experiences, we have incorporated a range of opportunities for outdoor and nature-based learning, sport and movement, socialising, play, relaxation and quiet reflection. These spaces are designed to encourage exploration and skills development across all abilities.

Our landscape design also weaves in swales and rain gardens, enhancing the site’s biodiversity and ecological features. Providing students with a safe external space to observe and interact with nature whilst promoting environmental awareness. For the protection and wellbeing of the local wildlife, a clearly defined bat corridor is embedded into the landscape. This reinforces the existing bat flight routes to the north of the site.

Inspired by their new surroundings, one of the school's students created a study that mirrors the design through vibrant colors and creativity, showcasing the materials and the beauty of the surrounding woodland.