TG Escapes modular eco-buildings provide additional space for a number of special schools. Two of these specialise in providing for young people with a diagnosis of autism.
One of them is Swalcliffe Park School, an ‘Outstanding’ specialist residential & day school in Oxfordshire for boys aged 11–19 who have needs arising from their autism spectrum conditions.
The other is The Shires at Oakham, an independent special day school in Rutland that offers specialist secondary education for autistic children and young people, and those with other associated needs, aged 11-18.
We talked to Kiran Hingorani, Swalcliffe Park School’s chief executive, and Helen Jeffries, Head of School at The Shires.
An example of a TG Escapes eco-building, the Work Skills and Enterprise Centre at St Joseph’s Specialist Trust
Q&A with Kiran Hingorani
Why did you want to develop a separate learning space?
We wanted to develop our students’ talents in the expressive arts of music, dance and drama.
What made TG Escapes stand out from the other providers?
The quality of the building and confidence in the team to work well with the school.
What are the biggest benefits you’ve noticed for the pupils and your school/setting/college?
The building itself fits really well into its natural surroundings and, in its own unique way, looks as stunning as the main school building, a beautiful Victorian manor house. The boys love having their own dedicated space to enjoy their activities and make as much noise as they want!
Q&A with Helen Jeffries
Why did you want to develop a separate learning space?
As a residential special school for young people with a diagnosis of autism, we aim to provide the best quality in terms of both care and education. Initially, our education and care provisions were both based within the same building.
However, we believe that school and home are, and should be, very different places, with different sets of expectations. We wanted to provide a clear separation between these two elements of our young people’s lives, ultimately ensuring that their home is just that.
What made TG Escapes stand out from the other providers?
As part of a larger group of schools and residential care provisions, we trusted in the reputation of TG Escapes, who had already carried out fantastic work for some of our partner provisions.
What are the biggest benefits you’ve noticed for the pupils and your school/setting/college?
Our young people now have increased clarity in terms of school and home. Being able to close the door and leave at the end of a school day is a very powerful action in terms of our students’ understanding and mental well-being.
The building has also allowed us to provide a dedicated, multipurpose therapy space where students can receive a range of therapeutic interventions, either as an individual or as part of a group, in an environment that is safe, nurturing and well equipped.
Finally, the design of our new building allows us to fully embrace learning without walls by offering direct access to our outdoor space from every classroom.
This also enables our young people to more independently regulate their own behaviour and to understand that at times when they feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, they have quick access to an area of calm and quiet where they can successfully work on reducing tension.
For more information on eco-buildings, visit www.tgescapes.co.uk, call 0800 917 7726 or email info@tgescapes.co.uk.
