A new SEND unit has opened at an east Suffolk school as part of a wider £55m investment in the county’s provision.
The new unit at Dell Primary School in Lowestoft, called The Orchard, officially opened in October, having started welcoming children at the beginning of the autumn term.
It has created 12 spaces for children with SEND as part of Suffolk County Council’s push to increase the number of specialist places countywide by 1,250.
The project was led by consultants Concertus and delivered by Ipswich-based contractors Brooks & Wood.
Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, said: “Working collaboratively with Suffolk County Council, Brooks & Wood Ltd, Evolution Academy Trust and Dell Primary School, our aim has been to create an environment that supports the needs of every pupil and helps them feel confident, engaged and ready to learn.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see The Orchard now open and providing specialist spaces that will have a lasting positive impact on children, families and the wider school community.”
The building comprises a new classroom, group room and a staff workroom, alongside washrooms and a cleaner’s store and plant room.
New dedicated soft-play and hard-play areas have also been built as part of the project.
Stuart Boardley, Director at Brooks & Wood Ltd, said: “Being able to play such an integral role in delivering this scheme alongside our long-term partners, Concertus, Suffolk County Council, and other key stakeholders has been fantastic.
“Seeing the new provision in use and the positive difference it is making for both pupils and staff highlights the shared commitment to creating exceptional environments where young people can learn and thrive.
“Seeing that impact first-hand makes the hard work and dedication of everyone involved truly worthwhile.”
The Orchard has been created as a Communication and Interaction Specialist Resource Base (SRB), providing a dedicated learning environment tailored to the needs of children who require specialist support while still benefiting from being part of the wider school community.
Its name was chosen to reflect growth and the opportunity for the children who will learn there.
Katie Lawson, Director of School Improvement for Evolution Academy Trust, said: “As a trust, we are passionate about inclusion and helping children to thrive.
“This wonderful new provision at Dell Primary is the latest stage of widening the offer across our Trust for children with SEND, and I know that every child who attends will truly benefit from their time here.”
Sam Keeler, Acting Headteacher at Dell Primary School, added: “It was an absolute honour to officially open The Orchard.
“This new provision is such a valuable addition to our school, providing an opportunity for us to support the local community by offering places for children with speech, language and communication needs.
“We look forward to welcoming more pupils to the Dell family over the years to come.”
