Dorothy Goodman special needs school, Hinckley

Dorothy Goodman special school, Hinkley

Facts and figures

  • Value: £3.5m
  • Contract: NEC option C
  • Contract duration: September 2005 - June 2006

The Dorothy Goodman school in Hinckley, built by Interserve, was the third scheme in Leicestershire County Council’s Pilot Schools Framework.

This purpose-built special needs school for pupils aged between 3 and 14 years is the second of its kind in Leicestershire, the first being Birch Wood school in Melton, Mowbray.

Built on an existing playing field at Redmoor High school, the school’s unique design was developed following a series of pre-construction workshops with the end user, the teaching staff, and involved close liaison with the Head teacher throughout the project.

The new build includes six classrooms accommodating a total of 60 pupils. Each classroom benefits from its own individual playground and extensive cloak and storage provisions with en-suite changing, toilet and shower facilities provided for every pair of classrooms. Other facilities provided include a music room, group and withdrawal rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory and soft play areas, and an extensive hoist and track support system throughout. Externally, a sensory garden, games court, play area and parking facilities have been created.

As the environmental performance of this project was a key priority for the client, we employed a BREEAM specialist for continual assessment. The building was completed in 2006 receiving a BREEAM rating of Very Good.

The success of the project was summed up at a recent open day, “This is a wonderful new school, I’m sure all the children will benefit greatly.”