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How the school and health centre integrate innovation
Aims Solutions
Educational innovations  
State-of-the-art information and communications technology teaching aids Electronic whiteboards with cable internet connections in each classroom, laptops for pupils
Special educational needs children integrated into standard classrooms Improved acoustics and daylighting in classrooms; disabled access and toilets, proximity to health centre for special healthcare
Early learning centre connected to school Early learning centre self-contained with its own entrance, toilets, coat racks and equipment stores
Segregation of infants and juniors Infants and juniors have dedicated entrances, circulation routes and playgrounds
Lifelong learning services Open learning centre housed in community hall; school library open to adults
Sustainable community innovations  
Educational, healthcare and social facilities easily accessible to the whole community. National Childcare Strategy to support children out of school hours and term time School sports and dining hall doubles as community hall; meeting rooms let for community meetings, healthy living seminars and further education classes; creche to support parents attending health centre or further education classes; school breakfast and after-school club to support working parents; school playground, all-weather five-a-side pitch and changing rooms open out of school hours
Integration of educational, healthcare and social services Health centre staff on hand to serve special educational needs and other pupils. Proximity of health centre and school encourages close co-operation between health and education services. One-stop shop in health centre provides easy local access to gamut of council and community services
Sustainable building innovations  
Improved daylighting in teaching areas (daylight factor doubled to 4%) South-facing window wall to all classrooms, with automatic awnings to provide sun shading. Light wells at the rear of classrooms
Reduced energy use Superinsulated walls and roof, including triple-glazed north-facing windows; Termodeck hollow concrete floors keep the school warm in winter and cool in summer; energy-efficient lighting
Improved ventilation (8 l/s fresh air per person) Mechanical ventilation of 100% fresh air through Termodeck hollow concrete floors in school; no opening windows
Low maintenance Mechanical plant reduced by use of Termodeck hollow concrete floors in school
Sustainable building materials Home-grown larch boarding used as rainscreen cladding