Spaces for Learning, Regulation and Growth

Location Greater Manchester
Education New Build

2025 - Education Estates – Project of the Year, Inclusive Design – Shortlisted

Designed around the needs of children with complex social communication and learning needs, Hawthorns SEND School combines specialist teaching, therapeutic environments and outdoor learning within a calm and supportive setting.

Designed in close collaboration with staff and educational specialists, Hawthorns SEND School provides a purpose-built learning environment tailored to the needs of children aged 4-11 with complex social communication, learning and emotional regulation needs. Rather than applying a standard school model, the design responds directly to the school's teaching methodologies, creating an environment that supports pupils throughout every stage of their learning journey.

Organised around two distinct departments connected by a central spine, the school creates a series of clearly defined yet highly connected learning environments. The single-storey layout makes the building easy to navigate and helps establish a calm, approachable scale, while carefully planned zoning allows different cohorts to learn and interact in ways that best support their individual needs. Security, supervision and independence are carefully balanced throughout, creating spaces where pupils can build confidence within a safe and supportive environment.

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Every classroom is supported by a range of specialist environments designed to encourage learning, communication and emotional regulation. Group rooms, quiet spaces, sensory environments and larger shared teaching areas allow staff to tailor support to individual pupils throughout the day. Dedicated spaces for one-to-one learning, respite and sensory regulation provide opportunities for pupils to withdraw, reset and re-engage when needed, while flexible teaching areas support a wide range of learning styles and abilities. In the MLD wing, the structure has been designed to accommodate swing installations and specialist sensory equipment, allowing spaces to adapt to changing needs over time.

Direct access to dedicated outdoor learning areas extends these opportunities beyond the classroom. Secure courtyards, covered play spaces and sensory gardens support movement, exploration and wellbeing throughout the school day, allowing pupils to engage with outdoor learning in a safe and structured environment. Materiality plays an equally important role in shaping the learning experience. A restrained palette of grey brick, warm timber-effect cladding and carefully selected finishes creates a calm and welcoming character, while avoiding overly stimulating environments. Robust, durable materials are paired with natural textures, generous daylight and carefully considered colour palettes to help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation and create spaces where pupils can feel secure, comfortable and ready to learn.

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