Introduction

Shaping the future of education through thoughtful design, construction, and maintenance

Creating inspiring spaces

Children’s happiness with school life is a key driver of their overall wellbeing. According to The Children’s Society’s Good Childhood Report 2024¹.

Considering that children spend so much of their waking time in school or other learning and caring environments, it is unsurprising that the design of these facilities significantly impacts young people’s experiences.

This guide demonstrates some of the steps we take to make a difference to the places we design, build and maintain.

Gavin Miller

Director for Education

Defining differing educational needs…

¹^{https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/good-childhood-report-2024}

Introduction

Spa School Camberwell, London

Our ‘Inclusive Environments’ team, brings together our collective expertise in designing and delivering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and Secure Children’s facilities. Each building type has unique requirements based on the the young people spending time there, developed based on their educational, health, trauma-informed and wellbeing needs. This simple guide illustrates how Kier brings together a wealth of expertise in the sector to deliver award-winning, sustainable, and transformative buildings for young people and their carers.

We thoughtfully consider the design and delivery of each space, using our 360 approach that leans on the expertise within all the divisions. Our aim is to enhance the lives of the young people who use the buildings we create, ensuring they have efficient and effective access to therapeutic and inspirational spaces.

With the increasing demand for Inclusive Environments, from SEND/ALN school placements and additional mental health requirements to Secure Children’s Homes and CAMHS units, Kier stands ready to support you and your project with a range of design and delivery expertise. By implementing our ‘Inclusive Environments’ best practice approach, we help our clients, local authorities, and care providers in creating safe, sustainable environments where both staff and young people can thrive.