Dedicated SEND provision for Key Stage 1 at St Matthews Primary School

Following the success of earlier projects across Surrey, TG Escapes were commissioned by Surrey County Council to deliver a new SEND provision at St Matthew’s Primary School in Redhill. The project forms part of the council’s wider capital investment programme to enhance specialist provision across the county.

Background

St Matthew’s is a mainstream state school with an established Key Stage 2 SEND provision. As pupil numbers increased and the school sought to expand its provision to include Key Stage 1, the existing accommodation became insufficient. Surrey County Council approached TG Escapes to design and construct a dedicated, purpose-built unit to relocate the provision from the main school building onto the adjacent school field.

Project Delivery

Appointed as Principal Contractor, TG Escapes delivered a 208 m² single-storey building designed specifically for pupils with social and communication needs. The layout provides a balance between calm, enclosed spaces and areas for interaction and sensory regulation.

The facility includes:

• A classroom and group room
• Sensory and calming rooms
• Hygiene room
• Office, kitchen and toilets
• Breakout and circulation areas
• Dedicated external play area

Design Approach

The project was funded directly through Surrey County Council’s capital budget, with Turner & Townsend acting as the client’s project manager. TG Escapes collaborated with the council’s Design Technical Authority, as well as appointed planning and cost consultants, to ensure compliance with local standards and SEND guidance.

Although the school had limited control over the initial brief, TG Escapes involved staff throughout the process through a series of design workshops. These sessions informed key adjustments to the external landscaping and internal sensory room layout, reflecting feedback from teachers and demonstrating our commitment to meeting end-user needs.

Features

• Optimal natural light and ventilation to promote focus and well-being
• Enhanced acoustic control to minimise sensory overload
• Zoned learning and calming spaces for flexibility
• Soft landscaping to provide secure outdoor learning opportunities

Despite being a live school site during construction, the project was completed successfully on time and with minimal disruption, utilising sustainable materials, such as composite decking.

Outcome

The completed building offers St Matthew’s Primary School a modern, standalone environment tailored to the needs of its SEND learners. The new facility enables the school to expand its provision from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 1, increasing accessibility and capacity for pupils requiring specialist support.

Delivered in close collaboration with Surrey County Council, Turner & Townsend, and the wider design team, the project demonstrates how sustainable modular construction can provide high-quality SEND environments efficiently and sympathetically within an operational school setting.