St Giles SEN School
Retford, UK
project overview
An inspiring SEN school for children with special needs
The 100-place SEN school and halfway house accommodates young people aged 3 - 16 with a wide range of disabilities, helping them to reach their potential.
Promoting a highly-personalised learning environment, the new build is equipped with a wide range of facilities and specialist teaching rooms, including a hydrotherapy pool, climbing wall and large sensory courtyard and garden.
![AHR-School-StGilesSEN-Architecture-Exterior2-Retford](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/St-Giles-SEN/2004_01717_000_318.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015922&s=e6b3ec99f85bc578a7ec18e863a2a07a 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/St-Giles-SEN/2004_01717_000_318.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015922&s=88a320ac159e96b795cf276eca8a7edd 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/St-Giles-SEN/2004_01717_000_318.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015922&s=6e78b932f5d5d455696d7c9ff21d45c1 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/St-Giles-SEN/2004_01717_000_318.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015922&s=ec21d54c7fd88c2abfe1fdee48e95380 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/St-Giles-SEN/2004_01717_000_318.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015922&s=1304da1f2856b0abbe90d22e356e7fce 1920w)
design concept
Creating an environment for young people to learn and grow at their own pace
The complex pupil profile demanded a clear wayfinding strategy both inside and outside the building. We created distinct areas for the nursery, primary, secondary and the halfway house pupils. Specialist facilities such as dining, assemblies and performance are shared spaces.
A circular rotunda creates a welcoming arrival for pupils, staff and visitors, reinforcing St Giles’ distinct identity. Sharing the Babworth Road site with Retford Oakes High School, the school is ideally located for shared use of the outdoor playing fields, habitat areas and all weather pitch, encouraging pupils to engage with the outdoors and other students in the area. Whilst boasting a public presence, the school is set deeper within the site and benefits from a quieter, more tranquil location.
Future flexibility of the school was considered early in the design process. Both the secondary and primary zones are designed to be extended in the future if necessary. The halfway house is designed for potential relocation into a separate building or another part of the site to enable the rest of the school to expand if necessary.
Children with special needs may spend all their school life in one establishment. It is important that pupils are aware of the clear transition and progression through distinct phases of education, which we have reflected in their environment.
key information
Project summary
Location
Retford, DN22 7NJ
Client
Nottingham County Council
Value
£4.5m
Completion
2006
Size
4,228 m²
Includes
100 pupil spaces
Contact
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