Construction progress ramped up at a London school

A construction and regeneration company have begun work at creating a new school in an area of London to improve the number of Special Education Needs (SEN) places in the region.

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties business has started work on the site at The Windmill School in Barnett, a Borough in London.

Being delivered on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) and Barnett Special Education Trust, The Windmill school will have spaces for 90 pupils aged between five-18 with a primary diagnosis of autism – it will become the first publicly funded specialist school for autism in Barnet.

The institution is being delivered by senior leaders from Oak Lodge School in east Finchley, supported by a team of specialist academics and education consultants.

Morgan Sindall are set to produce a three-storey structure which will span across 2,900 square metres – finished works will include primary and secondary general teaching spaces, laboratories, food tech suites, sensory rooms, a kitchen, multi-use hall and a roof-top play area.

In addition to helping children with autism, the construction will also be complete with an innovative Natural Ventilation with heat Recycling system and solar panels will be installed on the roof to ensure the building remains sustainable.

The organisation will also be working with Barnet College to develop social value skills and provide opportunities to young people in the local area – this includes welcoming work experience students and offering construction workshops for young people interested in getting into the sector.

David Rowsell, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: ‘There is a significant demand for high quality SEN places right now, which means that the region needs tailored educational facilities that can provide the best possible education and opportunities.

‘We’re aware of the invaluable role specialist SEN schools such as The Windmill school play in delivering the support that communities require.

‘The whole of the Northern Home Counties team is thrilled to be working on such an important project and knows what a difference it will make for the Barnet area.’

Image credit: Morgan Sindall