Planning validation has been granted for a new SEN school in Swaffham

NPS Property Consultants Ltd, part of Norse Consulting, is proud to be working in collaboration with Norfolk County Council Children’s Services team, SEN advisors and Fred Nicholson School staff, to design this state-of-the-art 224-pupil place SEN school.

Relocating to Swaffham from their now outdated site in Dereham, Fred Nicholson School will have a new purpose-built learning environment and the capacity to expand, meaning more pupils with Special Educational Needs can access this vital resource.

Throughout the design process, thoughtful considerations have been made including daylight lighting control, enhanced acoustics, external sensory landscaping and internal sensory and therapeutic facilities.

These elements aim to support the school with reductions in challenging behaviours and an environment which will progress pupils’ independence, communication, and engagement. An enhanced building fabric and efficient building services design means there will be improved thermal comfort year-round for pupils and staff and zero reliance on fossil fuels to operate the building.

All parties involved have been on an educational journey to truly understand the unique SEN design requirements, which will greatly benefit both the children and their families in Norfolk. Being able to design a learning environment the pupils deserve sets the standard for an educational setting that is ambitious and aspirational for all, and Norse Consulting is incredibly excited to be a part of this project.