Schools and colleges across the UK are under growing pressure to make the most use of the space they have available within their estate. With rising pupil numbers in secondary education, and increasing demand for specialist SEND provisions, educational leaders need to think differently about their environments.

The way we design and use learning spaces is changing, and when it comes to creating the ideal space, whether that’s a classroom, wellbeing area, or staff breakout room, it can be hard to take all considerations into account. So, to help you sift through the noise and understand what’s right for your learning environment, we’ve compiled our top aspects to consider:

General

  1. How does your current space meet a variety of SEND requirements?

    Both the number and proportion of pupils with SEND have been rising in recent years, with EHCP’s more than doubling since 2016. So, with over-capacity a common theme, it becomes crucial that every pupil learns in an environment that works for them. Schools are finding value in dedicated low-stimulation places, one-to-one support rooms, and flexible areas that can be adapted as needs change.

    “Creating inviting, child-friendly spaces with calming colours, soft furnishings, and gentle lightening, fosters a sense of security” Sharon Gray OBE, Education Consultant commented “Thoughtful sensory considerations, such as quiet zones and comforting textures, offer children safe areas to self-regulate”.

    At Co-op Academy Brierley in Leeds, Portakabin was able to create a purpose-built, all-through SEND facility, providing modern teaching spaces, sensory and therapy rooms, administrative areas, and full sports provisions for around 230 pupils.

    Sarah Harridge, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Brierley commented: "This new school will give children with special needs in Leeds a state-of-the-art, custom-built provision with their needs at the heart of every decision made in the build process."

    The latest whitepaper by Portakabin, examines both the systematic barriers to inclusion and the practical solutions within a school’s control, when faced with the mounting pressure to deliver effective SEND provisions in the face of teaching and learning space capacity.

  2. Could additional space ease the exam-time strain for your school community?

    We know that exam season puts additional pressure on students and teachers alike, especially as the number of students requiring access arrangements has increased by over 12%. By creating temporary exam halls or quiet breakout areas, schools can reduce disruption to teaching, while offering calmer spaces that support performance.

    Breckenbrough School in Thirsk, North Yorkshire solved the challenge by adding eight small temporary buildings to their grounds. This additional independent space allowed students to complete their exams in a smaller peaceful environment, which traditional classrooms or sports halls would not be able to facilitate.

    Read more about how Portakabin was able to support Breckenbrough School here.  

  3. What does staff wellbeing space look like in your school?

    Wellbeing isn’t just for pupils- teachers and support staff also need time and space to recharge after spending much of their day in busy, demanding classrooms. Creating a dedicated area for staff to unwind sends a clear message that their wellbeing truly matters, not just student outcomes. This focus is especially important, as the Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders Survey has shown for the second year in a row that teachers and leaders in English state schools report lower wellbeing than the wider adult population.

    Flexible, purpose-built spaces can promote a positive culture and support staff retention. Investing in well-being spaces shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a strategic necessity as a teacher that feels valued and supported is more likely to stay in the profession, excel in the classroom, and contribute in a positive way to the school’s culture.

    Gray commented: “A well-designed environment promotes well-being and development, and if a space is thoughtfully crafted, it will significantly support growth for all.”

    The Bridge Easton School in Norwich, created by Portakabin in collaboration with the Department for Education (DfE) certainly highlights how creating the right environment only has a positive effect on students, especially those with SEND requirements. “Our students have settled quickly and already feel very at home in their new surroundings” said Heidi Philpott, Headteacher at The Bridge Easton School.

  4. How could a reading room enhance your learning environments?

    Research has shown that school libraries have a positive impact on children’s lives and can aid with their development. The National Literacy Trust – a charity dedicated to helping young people with reading, found that just 1 in 3 children in the UK enjoy reading, with the drop in reading enjoyment over the last year especially steep among primary-aged children.

    Therefore, having a dedicated reading space within your educational facility can transform how students engage with books, and turn reading into a pleasure, not just a task. Schools are creating calm, inspiring rooms that double as quiet study or storytelling areas.

    Recently, Portakabin was able to work with Tees Valley Education (TVED) and provide Discovery Special Academy in Middlesbrough with a brand-new SEND provision, comprising of dedicated teaching classrooms and a wonderful new library. The space includes soft furnishings, comfortable bean bags and chairs, with an array of books suitable for all ages.

    With the government pledging more libraries for primary schools, and the rising need to inspire young people into reading, Portakabin are currently running a ‘Inspiring Libraries’ competition for primary schools to design their dream library. Find out more and enter here.

Looking to the future

Space isn’t just about measuring square footage, it’s about creating the right environment and responding to shifting needs of both students, teachers and supporting staff. By re-imagining existing spaces and adding breakout areas, and/or additional teaching rooms, you can create an area where children feel safe, and staff feel well rested and less pressured. Gray added: “For children to be truly ready to learn, they need to feel secure in calm, open, and engaged states. Creating a positive educational environment is crucial”.

At Portakabin, we understand the full range of facilities you require to deliver outstanding education and are on hand to support you with any educational requirements you have.