Hoon Avenue, Wolstanton, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, St5 9NY.
RAEBUILD were appointed as the main contractor to oversee the design and build of a SEND (Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) building at Merryfields Academy School which forms part of Manor Hall Academy Trust. The site and buildings are owned by Staffordshire County Council.
The project involved the creation of a new specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) facility at Merryfields School to support the growing demand for dedicated educational provision within the local area.
The brief called for a standalone building that would provide a calm, nurturing, and purpose-designed environment tailored to the specific needs of pupils requiring additional support.
The accommodation was required to comply with current DfE and EFA design standards and include a central teaching space, sensory room, sensory diet area, therapy room, small group room, storage facilities, kitchenette, and accessible changing and WC facilities. A covered walkway linking the drop-off area to the new building was also required to improve accessibility and enhance the pupil experience.
We were appointed as Principal Contractor through the Staffordshire County Council Modern Methods of Construction Framework and worked closely with the client, trust, and consultants to develop the design and deliver the facility.
The new building was constructed using a modern timber frame system, with prefabricated elements manufactured off-site to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability. The design incorporated specialist teaching, therapy, and sensory spaces alongside high-quality welfare facilities and supporting accommodation.
Throughout the project, close collaboration with the school ensured key specifications, finishes, and products met user requirements. Careful planning, site segregation, and traffic management measures enabled construction to be safely undertaken within a live SEND school environment while minimising disruption to pupils, staff, and neighbouring facilities.
Completed in August 2024, the new SEND facility has provided Merryfields School with a modern, purpose-built environment that supports specialist teaching and therapeutic activities.
The building delivers high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of pupils, helping to create a calm, accessible, and welcoming setting that promotes learning, wellbeing, and personal development.
Delivered on programme and within budget, the project has increased specialist educational capacity within the district while providing long-term benefits for pupils, families, and staff.
The completed facility supports the school’s specialist approach to positive behaviour management, nurture, emotional coaching, and restorative practice, ensuring that pupils receive the support they need in a safe and inspiring environment.
The works carried out were to a high standard, which we were very happy with. RAEBUILD listened to our requests throughout the process and worked diligently to deliver our vision. The senior site manager was especially supportive; he spent time getting to know and understand our school and our specific requirements. The result, was an excellent working relationship, which resulted in an incredible new building to support our pupils. Thank you RAE Build, and thank you Matt.
