Glenwood School's new residential accommodation takes shape

News

Building work is progressing well on a new ‘home from home’ being constructed for special education needs (SEN) learners at Glenwood School, in Benfleet, Essex.

Morgan Sindall Construction is delivering the new 20-bedroom residential accommodation for pupils at the school, which is based in Rushbottom Lane, on behalf of Essex County Council.

A topping out ceremony was held by Morgan Sindall Construction to celebrate reaching the highest point in the building’s structure. To commemorate the ceremony, guests were invited to sign and fit the fascia to the roof of the new building to mark the construction milestone.

Glenwood School’s state-of-the-art education facility provides support for children and young adults with severe and multiple learning difficulties.

As well as providing comfortable accommodation adjacent to the main school building, the residential facilities will enable Glenwood School to provide a 24-hour curriculum, Monday to Thursday during term time, for some of the young people who attend the school.

While staying at the residential accommodation pupils will be able to learn valuable life skills and how to share social and residential spaces with others, plus support them to develop positive behaviours and relationships.

Morgan Sindall Construction previously delivered Glenwood School’s new £15.5 million premises in 2017, which increased the school’s capacity from 150 to 210 places.

The building features 26 spacious classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool and specialist facilities to help meet the young people’s sensory needs, including swing therapy rooms and a trampoline room to help promote body awareness, postural control and organisation of the senses.

Chris Travers, operations director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Glenwood School is a truly inspirational place where young people with SEN can feel safe and secure and really make the most of their education journey.
“Morgan Sindall Construction is incredibly proud to have overseen this wonderful transformation of Glenwood School and we’ve worked closely with Essex County Council and the school to deliver their vision for this facility.
“The new residential accommodation will provide a welcoming and homely space for pupils to learn and we hope will have a really positive impact on the lives of pupils and families. We’re looking forward to progressing with work on site to deliver this exciting new addition to Glenwood School.”

Essex County Councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “The residential space at Glenwood will perfectly complement the school’s existing facilities and provide an important space to develop social skills. This is a fantastic addition to the school and I look forward to seeing the completed build.”

Judith Salter, head teacher of Glenwood School, said “This is a very exciting development for the school. We are looking forward to improving outcomes by extending our involvement with young people and their families and carers.”

For more information about this news release please contact Steph Bocking at Influential on 0151 239 5000 or email [email protected]