Dedicated SEND provision for Key Stage 1 at St Matthews Primary School
Following the success of earlier projects across Surrey, TG Escapes were commissioned by Surrey County Council to deliver a new SEND provision at St Matthew’s Primary School in Redhill. The project forms part of the council’s wider capital investment programme to enhance specialist provision across the county.
Background
St Matthew’s is a mainstream state school with an established Key Stage 2 SEND unit. As pupil numbers increased and the school sought to expand its provision to include Key Stage 1, the existing accommodation became insufficient. Surrey County Council approached TG Escapes to design and construct a purpose-built, permanent unit to relocate the provision from the main school building onto the adjacent school field.
The commission followed TG Escapes’ successful delivery of several SEND projects for Surrey County Council, reinforcing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver sustainable, high-quality learning environments on active school sites.
Design Approach
The project was commissioned by Surrey County Council, with Turner & Townsend acting as the client’s project manager. TG Escapes collaborated with the council’s Design Technical Authority, as well as appointed planning and cost consultants, to ensure compliance with local standards and SEND guidance.
Collaboration with St Matthew’s staff was central to the design process. Through structured workshops, TG Escapes gathered practical insights from teachers and support staff, refining key elements such as the sensory room layout and external environment to reflect the needs of pupils and staff alike.
The building was designed and constructed using TG Escapes’ panelised timber system – a precision-engineered method that combines the efficiency of offsite manufacture with the design flexibility and longevity of traditional construction. This approach allows each project to be tailored to its specific site and educational needs while maintaining the natural warmth, durability and sustainability associated with timber buildings.
Features:
• Natural light and ventilation to promote focus and wellbeing
• Enhanced acoustic control to minimise sensory overload
• Zoned learning and calming spaces for flexibility
• Soft landscaping to provide secure outdoor learning opportunities
Project Delivery
Appointed as Principal Contractor, TG Escapes delivered a 208 m² single-storey building designed specifically for pupils with social and communication needs. The layout provides a balance between calm, enclosed spaces and areas for interaction and sensory regulation.
The facility includes:
• Classroom and group room
• Sensory and calming rooms
• Hygiene room
• Office, kitchen and toilets
• Breakout and circulation areas
• Dedicated external play area
Additional Works
Alongside the new building, TG Escapes delivered a comprehensive package of associated works, a significant part of the project’s overall scope and value. The team managed every stage with the same level of care and precision, from planning and groundworks through to utilities, landscaping and final handover. This integrated approach ensured a coordinated programme, full compliance, and a ready-to-use facility tailored to the school’s long-term needs.
Scope of additional works:
• Removal and demolition of existing play equipment and storage units
• External landscaping for both the play area and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) enhancements
• Site-wide drainage upgrades
• UK Power Networks (UKPN) upgrade
• Installation of a cycle shelter with provision for EV charging
• Replacement of existing staffroom decking to the main school building
TG Escapes’ end-to-end delivery model allows projects of this nature to be completed efficiently and seamlessly, providing schools and local authorities with lasting quality and value from a single, trusted team.
Outcome
The completed building offers St Matthew’s Primary School a modern, standalone environment tailored to the needs of its SEND learners. The new, permanent facility enables the school to expand its provision from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 1, increasing accessibility and capacity for pupils requiring specialist support.
Delivered in close collaboration with Surrey County Council, Turner & Townsend, and the wider design team, the project demonstrates how sustainable modular construction can provide high-quality SEND environments efficiently and sympathetically within an operational school setting.