Upfront 10
needs of those with sensory processing difficulties and has a reinforced ceiling to allow for all to use a specialist swing. “The ability to access all areas easily is paramount when delivering an SEN school and Glenwood is completely accessible to all.” Morgan Sindall has also supported the school by staying on site after the construction to help teachers and students become accustomed to their new building. This process, known as a soft landing, was adopted to ensure that the transition from construction to occupation was seamless. Due to the complexity of the facility, Morgan Sindall appointed a dedicated soft landings team who remained on site for four weeks, beyond the build. Morgan Sindall Project Manager, Dan Morrish, led the team, supported by a trainee site manager, labourer and three specialists from its services sub-contractor DPL, which worked closely with the Glenwood team throughout. As part of the soft landings process, a handover manual was also provided as a quick reference guide for each teacher, helping them to learn about their new classrooms. The manual also included wayfinding and floor plans, so the team can easily access all the areas in their new school. Morgan Sindall hosted two soft landing presentations for staff and detailed equipment training was also delivered to the teachers, with specialist training and film production for equipment such as the new hoist systems and hydrotherapy pool. Judith Salter, Headteacher at Glenwood School, said: “We are all very excited about the opening of the new building. It is very important to us that the new school feels as warm, welcoming, safe and unique as our previous school. We always strive to help our young people develop and learn so they can be as autonomous as possible. We appreciate that many of our young people find change difficult if they have not been prepared so we are particularly pleased that Morgan Sindall has worked with us to involve many of the young people.
Morgan Sindall worked closely with Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture, Essex County Council and the end-user, Glenwood School, to design an innovative space that enhances the wellbeing of pupils
The ability to access all areas easily is paramount when delivering an SEN school and Glenwood is completely accessible to all
Morgan Sindall has also supported the school by staying on site after the construction to help teachers and students become accustomed to their new building