CIF funding for modular SEND buildings | Our comprehensive approach

Creating the right learning environment for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students is essential, but securing funding for these spaces can be challenging. The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) offers an invaluable opportunity for schools to enhance their facilities, including bespoke SEND spaces. 

Navigating the CIF process can be complex, with schools across the UK competing for the limited funds. Alongside creating bespoke modular buildings for schools across the UK, we assist with CIF bids for projects, working alongside consultants or helping schools directly to get the funding they need for tailored SEND facilities.

What is CIF funding and how can it help your school?

One of our tailored SEND classrooms

The Condition Improvement Fund is an annual funding pool for academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided schools, designed to address significant building needs. The fund focuses on projects that ensure school buildings remain safe and compliant, particularly for those facing urgent health, safety, or condition issues. Schools can also secure funding for expansion projects, especially if they have an Ofsted rating of 'good' or 'outstanding.'

For many smaller schools and academies, especially those providing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities, CIF can be essential to creating the right learning environment. By offering tailored modular buildings and expert support, our team can help schools navigate the CIF process, ensuring they have the best chance of securing this critical funding.

When addressing current funding, it's important to bear in mind that the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is being closed in March 2025, with its functions being brought into the Department for Education.

3-stage approach to applying for CIF funding applications

We offer assistance during the CIF funding process for potential partners, whether they’re looking for a standalone SEND classroom or a larger block. It’s crucial to take a considered, costed approach when looking to access a portion of this limited funding. This should be approached in 3 stages; Demonstrating need, planning, and Costing.

Demonstrating need

A successful CIF bid will require evidence that your current infrastructure is inadequate. For full building replacement, schools must submit a condition-related survey, supported by photos and proof of unsustainable repair costs. This must align with the government's Condition Data Collection. If the project addresses a shortfall in space, it’s crucial to compare current SEND facilities with Building Bulletin 104 guidelines, showing how the new build meets required room sizes or types. Without accurate and evidence-backed data, a CIF bid is unlikely to succeed.

Planning 

The planning stage of a CIF application requires demonstrating that your project is fully prepared for delivery. Schools must show they have contractors ready, have considered planning permissions, and have conducted a detailed site assessment including contractor access and a services survey. Additionally, a clear time plan must be provided to ensure the project is feasible within the desired timeline. It's also crucial to ensure the project costs adhere to the government guidelines, staying within the budgetary limits for school building projects.

Costing

The costing stage of a CIF application requires a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with the project. Schools must work with suppliers to ensure every expense is accounted for and that the budget adheres to government guidelines.

Tailoring our buildings to meet needs and budget

From our initial bespoke design, our team can make alterations to better fit client needs in terms of design and budget, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and environmental performance.

Our bespoke design approach

We submitted design drawings for Ivy Lane School as part of their CIF bid

When applying for CIF funding, our bespoke design approach ensures a finished project that is closely tuned to each school's needs, helping them present a stronger case in their bid. Whether you require new classrooms to accommodate growing student numbers or specialist SEND facilities, our in-house architects will be able to incorporate all this and more. 

From changing places and toilets to quiet rooms and breakout spaces, we can create fully featured SEND environments designed around excellent acoustic insulation, natural light, and high-quality ventilation. This attention to detail not only supports your CIF application by demonstrating need but also ensures a high-quality, functional space for your students and staff.

Upfront costs and budgetary alterations

We offer a complementary design service on all projects, which comes with a comprehensive price for the finished building, covering design, manufacture, installation, and finishing. This is a definitive price, not an estimate, helping with CIF applications. Modular buildings offer a permanent solution for schools, reliably saving time and money compared to brick-and-mortar equivalents. In addition, we organise all work including finishing, ensuring a clear timeline of work within the bid.

If the initial design exceeds your budget, we can make alterations to save money. We’ve also designed buildings in stages for several clients, giving them a crucial initial space with the option to expand later. With set pricing and project flexibility, we’ll be able to work with you on a design to support a compelling CIF bid.

Our modular building at Ivy Lane School, funded through a successful CIF bid

Quality long-term buildings

Ultimately, the key reason for schools to partner with us is the reliably excellent quality of our buildings. Crafted from sustainable timber, each structure is designed to be energy-efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible. From larger SEND blocks to standalone classrooms tailored around autistic students, we build stellar learning environments.

Our biophilic design principles, incorporating natural light, ventilation, and outdoor access, also help us to create positive spaces, reducing stress and increasing engagement. With over 700 completed projects, TG Escapes combines innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship to deliver beautiful, functional buildings designed around 50 years of heavy-duty use.

Working with schools on CIF applications

Our team works closely with schools and their consultants to support their CIF funding process. From initial consultation to project completion, we offer free building designs and ensure all planning and cost requirements are met. Our expertise helps schools secure crucial funding for essential facilities. We know firsthand that many specialist and mainstream schools across the UK are in desperate need of new SEND facilities, and our team stands ready to work with these institutions on a tailored CIF bid.

Some of our CIF success stories

Our dance and drama studio for Hendon School, funded through CIF

• Hendon School Dance and Drama Studios: We worked with Hendon School on their first CIF-funded project to create a twin dance and drama studio. Through our bespoke design service, we collaborated with Barker Associates to help the school secure the necessary funding from the Condition Improvement Fund. This support enabled Hendon to develop a high-quality, budget-friendly space for their talented students.
• Ivy Lane Primary School: We collaborated with Ivy Lane Primary School to replace their ageing classrooms through a CIF-funded project. The school had applied unsuccessfully the year before, and our modular design helped secure the funding while providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution. The new building offered five classrooms, flexible learning areas, and outdoor access, aligning with the school’s educational needs.

Looking to get crucial SEND funding?

If your school is seeking funding for essential SEND facilities, TG Escapes can help. Our expertise in providing fully costed projects to support the CIF process, built upon bespoke designs tailored to a school's specific needs, ensures the best chance of securing funding. We provide sustainable, high-quality buildings from specialist SEND classrooms to larger blocks. Speak to a member of our team today about your school's needs.