The physical construction processes involved in building schools mirror those of any building project; however it is the nature of the end user, i.e. the children which makes each school project unique. School development projects require continuous liaison between the school team and the contractor as the construction process can be disruptive and often unsettling for the children. Haymills recognises the need for ongoing communication and interaction with the children so provide various interactive activities throughout the construction work.
Most recently these have been successfully utilised by the Southern business unit as the team has completed work at three entirely individual Special Education Needs Schools in Essex and Kent. The work at St Nicholas School and Orchard School in Canterbury and Treetops Special School in Essex incorporated a mix of new build, refurbishment and alteration work. The projects were highly bespoke and included the construction of a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, mechanised kitchen and other persoanlised touches, all designed around the educational needs of the children.
Due to the children's special needs Haymills was needed more than ever to provide support and professional advice whilst construction took place. From the early design stages to the final hand-over phases the children were taken into account at every step and incorporated into the programme of works.
