Exciting things are happening in Surrey! Pupils and their families recently celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new £11.1 million state-of-the-art SEND teaching block and hydrotherapy pool at Philip Southcote School in Addlestone. This fantastic development, expertly constructed by Morgan Sindall Construction, marks a significant investment by Surrey County Council in providing top-notch facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The new buildings at Philip Southcote School include a modern teaching block boasting new classrooms, an ICT suite, and enhanced provisions for hearing-impaired students. Imagine the learning possibilities in these bright and well-equipped spaces! But that’s not all – the school also unveiled a specialist hydrotherapy pool. This cutting-edge pool, measuring 12 x 6 m², even features hydromassage areas to promote circulation and relaxation, offering increased ergonomic benefits. Plus, these new buildings are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring photovoltaic panels and aiming for significant carbon reductions.
Councillor Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, expressed her delight: “We are thrilled that the pupils of Philip Southcote School can now benefit from these outstanding new facilities. Our goal is to provide local children with additional needs and disabilities the best opportunities for improved outcomes, helping them feel included, transition successfully into adulthood, and receive high-quality education closer to home”. This investment is part of a wider commitment to increase the number of local specialist school places in Surrey.
Mr Jerwood, the headteacher of Philip Southcote School, is equally enthusiastic: “Having the classrooms all together in this wonderful new building means our departments can work much more cohesively. We’ve got English, Maths, ICT and our deaf pupil provision set up much more effectively for our learners, complete with the latest technology and soundproofing… One of our students described it as tranquil, which is fantastic for a learning space”. It sounds like a truly wonderful environment for students to thrive!
The construction of these impressive facilities was procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF5), with Morgan Sindall leading the work and Pellings providing the designs for the teaching block. Paul Holden, Senior Preconstruction Manager for Morgan Sindall Construction, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of the SEND teaching block and hydrotherapy pool at Philip Southcote School… These vibrant, high-quality educational environments signify a key investment in the future of Addlestone and the wider Surrey community, meeting the needs of local families”.
This exciting development at Philip Southcote School aligns with Surrey’s Inclusion and Additional Needs Partnership Strategy 2023-2026, which aims to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with additional needs and disabilities in Surrey. It’s fantastic to see such a commitment to providing the best possible education closer to home for these students.
It’s clear that this is a momentous occasion for Philip Southcote School, its pupils and families, and the wider Surrey community. The new teaching block and hydrotherapy pool will undoubtedly provide invaluable resources and opportunities for students for years to come. Let the learning and growth begin!
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