Background

OSG have had the privilege of working with The Canterbury Academy Trust for over a decade, helping them to realise a programme of development and improvement for the school. During this time we have developed an excellent working relationship with the school and we were pleased to be able to assist on their latest project to further extend their SEN provision.

I have had the pleasure of working with OSG for the past 12 years on a number of projects to develop and improve the school. Over the years we have developed an excellent working relationship based on the trust we have in OSG.

Terry Onions, Senior Vice Principal, The Canterbury Academy

The Canterbury Academy is becoming increasingly renowned for its SEN provision. A need was identified locally for a specialist facility for hearing impaired pupils. With funding from KCC, we identified an opportunity to build a first-floor extension linked to the existing SEN suite, the Frank Hooker building. The funding was sufficient to enable the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the SEN suite as well as building the extension.

SEN Design

The specialized nature of teaching hearing impaired pupils includes small group sizes. The teaching areas suit groups sizes of up to four pupils. Problems encountered by pupils might include difficulty in hearing and understanding the teacher, classroom acoustics, including background noises such as the buzz from fluorescent lights – these can cause problems with hearing aids. Pupils with hearing impairments can also experience social and emotional difficulties, including embarrassment and communicating with other students.

OSG worked closely with The Canterbury Academy Trust to develop a detailed brief, from which we developed a design that provides a safe, comfortable learning environment and that will also foster integration into the main school environment.

Steve’s depth of knowledge and advice are invaluable and he always has the school’s best interests at heart. He and his team are always ready and willing to help – nothing is too much trouble.

Terry Onions, Senior Vice Principal, The Canterbury Academy

Construction details and specification

The new extension was constructed with traditional masonry with a timber flat roof.

DDA works included the provision of:

• 2 Closomat WCs
• 1 external ramp and lift
• 1 internal lift in the Nova building
• Enhanced acoustic provision designed to 50 DB

Added value

The location of the site in a highly visible and prominent location on the school’s frontage directed the design aesthetic, and in addition to providing a much needed local SEN resource, we were also able to greatly enhance the visual impact on entry to the school campus, adding value to the school.

Project Team

The success of the project, which was completed within 10 months of achieving planning approval was thanks to an engaged client and an excellent project team:

Contractor: Abbotts Construction

Engineer: Peter Thomason & Associates

QS: Modus Construction Consultants

Principal Designer:  B&M

M&E: Sweco

Client Testimonial

I can’t speak highly enough of the service we receive from OSG and most importantly, the projects we use OSG for are always on time and on budget.

Terry Onions, Senior Vice Principal, The Canterbury Academy