The Scheme

Poole Dick and Wernick worked with Co-op Academies Trust and Leeds City Council to extend the Nightingale Academy and create a stand-alone SEN Unit in Leeds. Once opened the new Academy became Brierley Academy

The scheme included the creation of seven classrooms specially designed for pupils with differing education special needs together with a sensory room, staff facilities, and dining room.  Externally, areas were created for the children to learn and play in a safe environment.

Key Considerations

The scheme was financed by Leeds City Council with funding drawn down in key tranches with financial reporting and budgeting was a key requirement of the scheme.

With the Children starting the school in September 2023, milestones needed to be met to ensure the school opened on time.  With approval given that academic year, it was crucial to ensure the design, planning, and construction process was expedited to meet the September target.

Due to the nature of the pupils using the completed scheme, consideration needed to be given to meeting their specific educational requirements.  As such a sensory room was included in the design and we worked with specialist furniture manufacturers to design spaces and furniture which was soft, secure, and met their needs.

All project elements were separately identified and costed to test value for money and demonstrate affordability.