Planning special school
buildings
Once the range of spaces has been
agreed, the area guidelines in Part C
can be used to build up a fully detailed
schedule of accommodation.
Rational room relationships help the
whole school function well for students
with SEN and disabilities and have an
impact on accessibility. It is important
to minimise travel distances between
spaces, especially for children who
have difficulty moving independently.
The diagram opposite shows typical
room relationships for an all-age
special school for pupils with a broad
range of needs. The spaces are
grouped together according to function
(teaching and learning; therapy and
medical; dining and social; staff/
admin).
Key points to note (most of which apply
to all special schools):
• Reception/admin office is close to the
main entrance.
• Spaces most used by visiting staff
and parents (such as meeting/parents
rooms) are easy to access from the
main entrance.
• Large spaces likely to be used by the
community are easy to reach but allow
separation from teaching and learning
spaces.
• Shared medical and therapy rooms
are easy to access for all age groups.
• Small group rooms and local stores
are close to teaching spaces.
• There is a progression of spaces
from youngest to oldest pupils.