Little Heath School

Requirement

Little Heath School, located in the London Borough of Redbridge, provides specialist education for pupils aged 11–19 with a wide range of special educational needs.

The school required a replacement for a number of ageing pre-fabricated buildings dating back to the 1970s. These buildings were no longer fit for purpose, presenting challenges in both accessibility and comfort. Split-level layouts made movement difficult for non-ambulant pupils, while poor thermal performance resulted in uncomfortable learning environments throughout the year.

The school, working in partnership with the local authority, sought a modern, fully compliant facility that would better support pupils’ needs while creating a safe, inclusive and future-ready learning environment.

Following a competitive tender process involving multiple contractors, Wernick Buildings was selected based on its understanding of the specialist requirements of SEN education and its ability to deliver a tailored modular solution.

The Solution

Wernick Buildings designed and delivered a bespoke modular facility to replace the existing buildings, creating a cohesive, accessible and future-ready learning environment. The new development provides five classrooms, two office spaces, a dedicated independent life skills provision and a library, all carefully designed to support both teaching and specialist learning needs.

The building was developed in full alignment with BB104 guidelines, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of SEND and alternative provision settings. Accessibility was a key priority throughout, with the entire building constructed on a single, level layout to support less ambulant pupils and enable safe, easy movement throughout the space.

A range of specialist design considerations were also incorporated to support pupils with autism and sensory sensitivities. These include low-arousal interior finishes to help reduce sensory overload, as well as LED lighting designed to create a calm and comfortable environment. Every aspect of the design was carefully considered to ensure the building supports both learning and wellbeing, creating a space that is functional, inclusive and tailored to the needs of its users.