Portakabin Constructs State-of-the-Art School in Norfolk

A new state-of-the-art special educational needs school outside Norwich opened its doors in January, as part of Norfolk City Council's £120 million transformation programme.

Designed specifically for the Department for Education and precision-engineered by Portakabin at its manufacturing facility in York, the new 170-place special educational needs school opened on schedule, providing purpose-built facilities including a forest school area and a specialist treatment unit for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

With total works complete in less than 12 months, Portakabin constructed 60 custom modules offsite, using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with installation onsite taking just two weeks.

Boasting exceptional thermal performance and improved daylight for the comfort of both pupils and teachers, the free school will be run by The Bridge Trust. As part of its transformation programme, Norfolk City Council will create 500 new specialist education places.

The completed site also includes on-site staff and visitor parking, minibus and taxi drop-off points, sports pitches, a MUGA court, outdoor play areas and a garden designed to encourage children with learning and cognition needs to engage and enjoy.

James Pearson, Divisional MD at Portakabin said: "We're thrilled to have worked alongside Norfolk City Council, the Department of Education and The Bridge Trust, to provide a new state-of-the-art special educational needs school as part of the council's transformation programme. We hope our building will further support the school's unique offering to the local community."

Dr Penny Barratt OBE, Chief Executive Officer at The Bridge Trust comments: "Working with Portakabin to create this new school has been a pleasure. The staff have shown real attention to detail both in the design and build process of creating the school. They have worked with us to ensure that the building is right for pupils with special educational needs. This build has been a great success story!"

Cllr John Fisher, cabinet member for Norfolk County Council Children's Services, said: "We're delighted this new school is now open providing the space for children to thrive in their education and giving dozens of youngsters the chance to attend a special school closer to their homes.

"It's been a privilege to work alongside Portakabin, The Bridge Trust and other partners to deliver the school as part of our SEND transformation programme."

Source: www.portakabin.com