Djanogly SEND Facility

Key Project Information

Location

Nottingham

Client

YMD Boon

Sector

Education

Construction Method

SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)

Duration

28 Weeks

Overview

R1 Construction completed a new £1.179 million specialist education facility at Djanogly Strelley Academy, opened in November 2024. The single-storey building, designed for 16 primary school children with complex needs, includes classrooms, a calming room, sensory room, and more. This project aligns with Nottingham City’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy, providing essential support for children with autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties.

In September 2024, a new specialist education facility for primary school children with complex needs was officially launched at Djanogly Strelley Academy in Nottingham. The project, valued at £1,179,000, provides a supportive and nurturing environment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who require a high level of support. The single-storey building, located within the school grounds on Helston Drive, offers a dedicated space for 16 pupils, ensuring their specific needs are met in an inclusive, purpose built setting.

The new facility includes two classrooms, a calming room, a sensory room, a dining and training room, and accessible toilets. These carefully designed spaces aim to support children’s emotional, social, and educational development, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth. The building was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing staff to cater to the unique needs of each child, offering a space where pupils can thrive.

Words from the client

"This scheme was a testament to collaboration in construction as it was faced with several challenges through planning, periods of high inflation and general operational impacts due to the site constraints.

“Baily Garner are immensely proud to have delivered this scheme with R1 Construction which will do so much more than just act as an educational facility as it serves the specific SEND needs within the local community.”

The project was a result of collaboration between various stakeholders, including Nottingham City Council, Djanogly Strelley Academy, R1 Construction, and Baily Garner LLP. Despite facing challenges such as planning issues, inflation, and site constraints, the team worked together to overcome these hurdles, delivering the facility on time and within budget. The facility is part of Nottingham City’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2023-28, which aims to provide additional specialist capacity in the primary education phase for children with autism and learning difficulties.

The official opening of the facility took place on 28th November 2024, with an event attended by school staff, council leaders, and project partners. The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting and a tour of the new facilities, marking the culmination of a successful collaboration.

Sarah O’Connell, Headteacher at Djanogly Strelley Academy, expressed the importance of early specialist support, stating: “We know that early specialist support has a significant positive impact on children who have complex needs. We are delighted to officially launch this new facility thanks to funding from Nottingham City Council.”

Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education at Nottingham City Council, emphasised the role the project plays in meeting the needs of local children: “The development of Djanogly Strelley Academy’s specialist SEND provision creates additional specialist capacity to meet the needs of pupils with autism and learning difficulties.”

This project is a prime example of how thoughtful design and collaboration can make a meaningful impact on a community. The Djanogly Strelley Academy facility provides vital educational resources for children with complex needs, ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed in a nurturing and inclusive environment. The successful completion of this facility marks a significant milestone in supporting the education and development of children with autism and learning difficulties in Nottingham.