'Education Estates SEND Conference: 2025 reflections' by Catherine Mulley

A week on from the annual Education Estates SEND Conference has allowed time to digest the discussions held and best practice shared during this year’s event. Catherine Mulley shares her reflections from the day.

Taking to the stage with a powerful opening keynote, Mark Pratt, Department for Education, Design Advisor (SEND & AP Lead), set the context for the day by discussing the importance and benefit of ‘universal inclusion’ in the approach to SEND provision, focusing on the creation of a truly inclusive system within our school building stock. This being a consistent theme echoed across all presentations and discussions throughout the day.

A fascinating insight was provided between NORR and Haverstock on their approach to SEND/ASN school design and delivery in Scotland and England, picking up on the similarities and differences between the two countries. The session highlighted the innovative and inclusive techniques taken on two schools in particular; Marjorie McClure School in the London Borough of Bromley and Beatlie School in Livingston. A key takeaway message for me was Scotland’s approach to SEND design which has a greater inclusive mainstream approach, and a presumption that SEND can, and should, be catered for within the mainstream setting with the emphasis on creating collaborative environments.

Slightly closer to home, this approach was also touched upon by my colleague Tania Croghan. Co-presenting alongside AECOM the discussion ‘Designing flexible SEND spaces for diverse pupil needs’ highlighted the importance of adaptability when it comes to SEND design.

Featured as a case study during this session was Cleeve Meadow School: a facility we designed and handed over in 2022 which has proved to be a hugely successful example of a co-location of SEND and mainstream provision within one site setting.

A standalone school designed for 120 pupils with ASD and MLD aged between 11 and 19, Cleeve Meadow sits on the same site as the mainstream Cleeve Park School, both of which are operated by The Kemnal Academies Trust. The co-location of these two schools was a deliberate intent by the Trust with the objective of creating a high level of interaction and communication between the facilities, maximising inclusivity between both staff and pupils. Cleeve Meadow pupils are able to access facilities within Cleeve Park, such as science labs and other specialist learning areas, whist the mainstream pupils enjoy the Performing Arts suite and facilities within Cleeve Meadow. This interactive approach encourages pupils within both schools to recognise that people’s needs vary, whilst also promoting confidence and the skills needed to live within a diverse community.

A number of our recent mainstream school designs have included SEND units or suites which supports the concept of providing specialist education within a mainstream setting if possible. This approach really does help to reduce stigma and eliminate barriers, whilst also supporting the local communities of which schools play a key part.

The presentation wrapped up by focusing on the importance of inclusive school design in creating a supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their needs. Providing a pupil-centred approach being absolutely critical in supporting young people in achieving their potential and ambitions.

Thank you to all the conference contributors. Once again this focused day proved a motivating and inspiring event to share experiences with education professionals from within the field of SEND across the UK.

To receive a copy of the presentation, or to speak to our education team about SEND design, please contact catherine.mulley@pozzoni.co.uk or tania.croghan@pozzoni.co.uk