We are delighted to announce that work at Ashdale School in Ashington is fully complete! The SEN school provides for children aged 4-11 who are identified as presenting challenging behaviours related to social, emotional and mental health needs.

GRADONARCHITECTURE were presented with a brief which outlined requirements for the full internal refurbishment of the school to provide for 50 pupils and through extensive collaboration with the school and local community, the finished refurbishment has excelled the brief.

The school now benefits from a welcoming area with associated reception and office spaces, replacing the old hall. A priority of the school was also the creation of large learning spaces with associated quiet zones and the sensory area, which were all identified as important to a child’s development. The learning spaces have been organised around two courtyards with direct external access to the associated established garden incorporating a soft rubber ground surface. All refurbishments have been designed and completed in line with SEND and alternative provision area guidelines as well as full DDA access.

The redesign of this school has gone beyond the provision of extra spaces and now offers children a real opportunity to excel in their learning environment through the creation of innovative areas which priorities their individual needs and fosters a supportive method of learning.