Special educational needs unit for Stepgates Community School

TG Escapes has completed a SEND unit at Stepgates Community School in Chertsey, Surrey, supporting students with complex social and communication needs in partnership with Surrey County Council.

The 369m² facility replaces a previous modular unit and features three classrooms and ancillary spaces. Despite limited site access, the project was delivered successfully, supporting Surrey’s SEND strategy and net-zero goals, ensuring inclusive, accessible education for 32 students.

The design of the building focused on meeting the specific needs of the students, with specialist features like a hygiene room with a hoist, a sensory room, and sunpipes in classrooms to provide natural light. TG Escapes also played a key role in bringing in new mains power to the site. The building was constructed with a screw pile foundation and finished with cedar cladding. The unit enables students to split their time equally between mainstream and specialist provisions, ensuring a well-rounded education tailored to their needs. The successful completion of the project demonstrates TG Escapes’ expertise in creating specialized, supportive environments within educational settings.

We asked Richard Williams, Premises Manager, about their TG Escapes building:

How or where did you first hear about TG Escapes?
Recommended by Surrey County Council

Why did you want to develop additional space?
A County wide need for more SEN spaces within primary education.

What made TG Escapes stand out from other providers?
The product, the design and the attention to our requirements.

What are the biggest benefits you have noticed for the pupils and staff?
A modern, warm, comfortable and peaceful environment for our special needs children and staff.