Foreword

A duty to do more

We have a duty to ensure the built environment shapes and improves lives during, and way beyond, the construction process.

This is especially key when it comes to special education needs or disabilities (SEND) school design and delivery; creating places where individuals can truly thrive and fulfil their potential is something we care deeply about.

We must work collaboratively to challenge the status quo in transforming the design and delivery of SEND campuses going forward. Watch Oliver's story in the video opposite to see the impact this makes.

This requires a level of trust that enables the candid conversations which will allow true innovation to take place, and start us on the journey to secure improved outcomes for every SEND young person.Around 15 per cent of the pupil population, around 1.3 million school age students in England, are classed as having special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).Future-proofing and equipping our SEND school estate to enable this growing cohort of young people to thrive, develop and fulfil their potential, is a complex challenge.In 2019, the government announced an additional investment of £700 million into special needs education in order to ensure that children and young people are provided with the buildings and facilities that are right for them.

However, while an important part of the puzzle, investment alone is not the silver bullet we need to future-proof provision and councils continue to face immense pressures in providing care and support and educational provision for children and young people with special needs and disabilities.

"Having recently constructed six SEND schools in the East of England alone, we care about creating environments that enable children and young people to thrive."

Peter Whitmore, Managing Director - East

With this in mind, we are committed to exploring how the process involved in creating buildings and estates that enable children and young people to truly thrive and reach their potential can be optimised.We wanted to delve into the sector and explore all angles of delivery - from concept to colour scheme.Bringing together knowledge, experience and expertise from across the public and private sector to explore opportunities to build on experience and improve the provision of purpose-built SEND schools across the UK is at the heart of this white paper.Our objective for this research is to work collaboratively to enhance the pathway for SEND school design and delivery so that it improves the lives of the young people, teachers, carers and families.We want to start a conversation which shares insights, sparks innovations, and encourages collaborations.Our thanks to everyone who has taken part in our exploration of this topic - your names are hero-checked at the end of this document.Peter WhitmoreManaging Director, Construction East

Is the UK doing enough to create great SEND schools?

Yes, absolutely
Unsure, but I feel like we can do always do more
No, there needs to be more investment