Innovative Learning Environment for Pupils with Complex Needs

Commissioned by North Somerset Council, this purpose-built Special Educational Needs (SEN) school
provides an inclusive, fully accessible environment for up to 85 pupils with profound physical and learning
difficulties. The £13m development meets a growing demand for specialist facilities including classrooms, therapy spaces, and sensory rooms.

Craddys were appointed to deliver full civil and structural engineering services from RIBA Stage 2 through
to construction. We developed coordinated designs for below-ground drainage, foundations, and
superstructure framing, incorporating a hybrid of steel, SFS, and traditional masonry construction. Civil
works included SuDS drainage design and external works coordination.

The site’s soft ground and restricted access required early collaboration with the geotechnical team to
optimise foundation strategy. Our team worked closely with the wider design team to achieve Level 2 BIM
compliance and a fully coordinated model. The building was successfully delivered through the SCAPE
framework, with robust yet cost-effective detailing helping to ensure timely completion.