Using Part C
This guidance can be used for any
school by combining information from
appropriate sections. However, school
settings vary widely and it is important
that school staff work closely with the
design team to provide a range of
spaces to suit their particular needs.
For mainstream schools, the guidance
should be read in conjunction with
BB99/98. The mainstream section
outlines the key design issues for
ensuring an inclusive environment
for children with SEN and disabilities
in typical mainstream spaces. It also
describes typical accommodation
that might be provided in addition to
that specified in BB99/98 to support
children with a range of needs.
For co-located schools, designers need
to plan initially for the special school
and then develop arrangements within
the mainstream school. Curriculum
analysis will establish whether it is
feasible for the two schools to share
spaces. There should be enough space
to ensure protected timetable access
for the special school and the spaces
must be properly equipped to meet
the children’s needs. For example, the
special school may have access to the
mainstream school science laboratories
and the mainstream school may have
access to specialist support facilities
such as physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.
(See also Co-location, page 32.)
For all-age special schools, guidance
can be drawn together from different
sections as appropriate. Some spaces
may be age specific, while others may
be used by all. Economies of scale
must not be made at the expense of
access to the curriculum. Dining spaces
may be used by all ages if appropriately
designed and managed.
NB Technical specification is covered
in Part D and should be read in
conjunction with these sections.