Recent reports highlight a growing need for schools to strengthen their provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They call for a cultural shift towards inclusivity, emphasising increased investment in specialist facilities, and staff training to ensure genuine support for all pupils.
Many schools, including Newall Green Primary School, have been able to access dedicated funding from local authorities and national initiatives to improve SEND provisions. These grants enable schools to create or refurbish SEND units, providing accessible, inclusive learning environments, and specialist facilities tailored to the needs of every child.
Newall Green Primary School, committed to inclusivity and high-quality education for all children, sought to establish a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit for 30 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The school secured grant funding from Manchester City Council to deliver this important project and engaged Dabinett Surveyors to provide professional support from the earliest stages.
Dabinett were initially approached to undertake a feasibility exercise for the school. As part of this process, Dabinett produced site drawings to illustrate early design ideas and provided high level budget costings to assist the school in applying for their Government Grant.
Following the successful award of the grant, Dabinett were appointed for the second stage of the project. This stage involved leading the pre-contract phase as Principal Designer, responsible for developing and specifying the works. Dabinett then took on the role of Project Manager and Contract Administrator, overseeing the delivery of the refurbishment project through to completion.
The refurbishment at Newall Green School has transformed the existing nursery and reception areas into a welcoming and inclusive SEND unit, designed to better support pupils with a range of additional needs. The works included the installation of specialist features such as a sensory room to provide calming and engaging experiences, and a new SEN-focused playground to create a safe and accessible outdoor space for all children. These improvements provide pupils with a supportive, engaging environment that enhances both learning and emotional well-being.
Throughout the project, Dabinett closely monitored the budget, maintaining strong cost control and regular reporting to ensure that the refurbishment was delivered efficiently and within financial expectations. The result is a high-quality, thoughtfully adapted learning environment that enhances both the educational and emotional support available to pupils while delivering excellent value for the school and local authority.
Dabinett Surveyors understand the pressures schools face when balancing educational needs, funding requirements, and project delivery. Our proven track record in managing education refurbishments ensures that every stage, from feasibility to completion, is handled with precision, transparency, and care.
We’re proud to help schools create inclusive environments that truly make a difference for their pupils. Contact Dabinett Surveyors to discuss how we can help your school deliver inclusive, grant-funded facilities.