Expert round table identifies issues and solutions around creating inclusive SEN environments in mainstream education

With SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision in mainstream education an increasing challenge for school heads, teachers and design teams, a recent industry round table saw architects, inclusivity experts and the wider supply chain gather in London to explore the practical ways forward.

This Building Insights LIVE round table was sponsored by Dulux Trade and Interface Flooring, two firms deeply engaged with working to make mainstream education settings more supportive and appropriate for pupils and students with a range of SEN. Delegates acknowledged the benefits of careful design for both non-SEN pupils and students and those with neurodiverse and other conditions. But, in the words of researcher at the University of Cambridge, Matteo Zallio, the ultimate aim was “one day, all design will be inclusive,” and it would not be a separate discipline.

Some of the key takeaways from the event included that there was a “battle to convince contractors” on the importance of creating inclusive facilities for supporting SEN in mainstream education. The development of the recent PAS 6463 British Standard (largely by attendee Jean Hewitt) was hailed by delegates as a huge step forward, in a sparse guidance landscape. Zallio and Carly Parramore from AtkinsRéalis gave key insights on how better use of occupancy data could be brought into the modelling of designs for improving future outcomes; Parramore citing some “unexpected” results.

The impact and importance of light and colour was debated in depth, including powerful personal testimony from sponsor attendee Dawn Scott of Dulux Trade, as well as the need to involve specification of such elements at the earliest stage in these sensitive projects. This was echoed by co-sponsor Interface, represented by Laura Light, who also has a family member with SEN. In addition, several examples of practical design approaches for both refurbs and new builds which would offer supportive facilities for all students were shared, making this a valuable and unique event.

James Parker, round table chair and editor of Architects’ Datafile commented:

“This was one of the most engaged and also practically useful round tables we have staged, in terms of the range of ideas which emerged from delegates for solving this tricky puzzle with tailored solutions. Rather than restating the challenges of the increases in SEN provision in mainstream schools, the delegates openly shared evidence-based ideas, and collaborative approaches for codesigning and optimising education environments that benefit all who use them.”

The full list of attendees at the Building Insights LIVE round table was:

  • Kathryn Gundry: Senior Inclusive Design Consultant & Architect, Motionspot Design
  • Claire Barton: Partner, Haverstock Architects
  • Dr Matteo Zallio: Ass. Professor, University of Cambridge
  • Tamsin Thomas: Senior Associate, Design Engine Architects
  • Zane Putne: Special School Sector Director, Noviun Architects
  • Jean Hewitt: Inclusive Design Team, Buro Happold
  • Terry White: Planning Learning Spaces, Principal Education Advisor, Founder of Edunovaspace
  • Carly Parramore: Associate Architect, AtkinsRéalis
  • Dawn Scott: Interior Designer & Colour Specialist, Dulux Trade
  • Laura Light: Concept Design Team Leader, Interface

The event will be reported in-depth in the September issue of Architects’ Datafile, and a Building Insights podcast capturing some of the key sections of the debate, will be available at insights.netmagmedia.co.uk