Mill Water School, in East Devon, is celebrating the completion of a new stand-alone classroom that will provide additional teaching space and a welcoming, supportive environment for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school is oversubscribed and common to many specialist settings, faces ongoing pressure on space.
But school leaders wanted to create a shared space that promotes connection, inclusion and belonging for children and their families, as well as increasing teaching space capacity.
So, they developed plans for a new school building intended to be available not just during the school day, but also for use outside school hours, including school holidays.
The intention being, to give SEND families somewhere they can access together outside the school day.
Feedback from parents showed strong support for the plans, with many families describing feelings of isolation and exclusion when using communal spaces that are inaccessible or feel unwelcoming.
“Sometimes we feel so alone,” said one parent.
“We can’t access the places that other families can,” said another.
The new building will be available for SEND families, community groups, and parent support networks, providing a safe and inclusive place where families can meet, build relationships and feel part of a wider community.

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