We’ve started work on a new SEND school in Manchester

Interserve Construction has commenced work on a new Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) school in, Blackley, Manchester called Prospect House.

The new school, commissioned by the Department for Education, will see Interserve Construction create a facility for pupils with a range of specialist needs. The school will provide places for 100 pupils, aged from three to 11, of which 10 will be early-years places.

The pupils attending will have a wide range of special educational needs, including severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and autism. Some of the pupils will also have significant medical needs, physical disabilities or sensory impairment. Those pupils with medical needs will also require a space within the building where medical care can be administered.

The existing main building has been designated as not suitable for remodelling or refurbishment, and so a complete new build solution has been adopted. The development is to meet the increasing demand for Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) school places in the region.

Following demolition of the existing facilities and construction of the new school and external areas, the facilities are planned to open in early 2022. The new project includes a one-storey building, external play areas, drop off and car parking facilities. Due to the nature of some of the pupil population, the facilities include a range of therapy and sensory spaces and a hydrotherapy pool.

Phil Shaw, Divisional Director at Interserve Construction, said:

“We are delighted to be starting on site to deliver this much needed school. Interserve has significant expertise and experience in building SEND schools and we are looking forward to delivering this community facility in due course.”