Dorset Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has helped to improve the learning environment for both pupils and staff at two Bournemouth schools.
Dorset Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has helped to improve the learning environment for both pupils and staff at two Bournemouth schools, contributing part of an extensive £5.3 million refurbishment due to completed in February.
Greendale has carried out the refurbishment and improvements to the existing school buildings alongside the construction of two new modular classroom blocks undertaken by Modulek to provide modern classrooms and facilities for Heathlands School, and Springwood Campus; the purpose built autism specific provision of Linwood School. Springwood, based on the Heathlands School grounds, will provide 60 places for pupils aged 3-19 across the autistic spectrum and include a include a sensory suite which has a soft play, calm sensory room and a multi-sensory interactive learning environment. Other facilities include music and speech and language rooms, and a smaller room for 1-1 work and calming activities.
Lynda Bannister, Head of Springwood Campus said: “This has been a great opportunity to create an autism specific learning environment where children and young people can feel calm and able to learn. Greendale and Modulek have worked hard to listen to our needs and have delivered a building which is already a positive effect on our pupils. Springwood is also excited to be sharing a campus with Heathlands, which I am sure will benefit both schools.
“The spacious classrooms and corridors, state of the art ICT and sensory rooms, individual class play areas and accessible toilets from classrooms will help our pupils be more independent. We are absolutely delighted with these new facilities.”
Sarah Dunn, Head Teacher at Heathlands Primary School, said: ‘Here at Heathlands we are very excited with the work that Greendale has undertaken to refurbish the building, both for us and for Springwood, the new ASD campus run by Linwood School. A modern learning environment with modern facilities will help us to ensure that the children are getting the best education possible. Our refurbished classrooms will have state of the art ICT, there will be specially designed ‘breakout’ learning areas and the toilets are designed in a way that prevents bullying. We can’t wait for it all to be finished so that we can move in!’
Rob Hooker, Director of Greendale Construction said: ‘It has been exciting to see the transformation taking place at this terrific school. We have gone back to ‘brass tacks’ to regenerate the school and the finished product will meet the needs of the pupils and teaching staff. It has been good to work with the school and Greendale appreciates the understanding and help given by Sarah, her staff and the children for us to complete the extensive refurbishment. We wish Heathlands and Springwood all the best for the future in their new schools.”