Exciting news for students and staff at St John Vianney RC School in Stretford! The school is poised for a remarkable transformation, thanks to the Department for Education’s (DfE) ambitious rebuilding programme. This initiative will see the current facility replaced with a state-of-the-art, net zero carbon new-build building, designed to provide an exceptional learning environment for children with special educational needs (SEN).

Investing in the Future

The DfE has submitted a planning application to Trafford Council for the construction of a 50,000 sq ft school on the existing site off Rye Bank Road. This significant investment reflects the government’s commitment to providing high-quality educational facilities for all students, particularly those with SEN. Currently, St John Vianney caters to pupils aged five to 19 with a range of learning difficulties, autism, and complex needs. However, a statement by Smith & Love Planning Consultants, submitted alongside the application, acknowledges that the existing buildings are no longer fit for purpose.

Beyond Brick and Mortar

St John Vianney has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of a £1 billion initiative dedicated to modernising the UK’s ageing educational infrastructure. The new school will not only be designed to meet the evolving needs of SEN students but will also operate at net zero carbon emissions. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the government’s broader environmental goals and sets a positive example for future generations.

A Haven for Learning and Growth

The new school building will be more than just classrooms; it will be a nurturing and stimulating environment specifically tailored to support SEN learners. The plans encompass a range of dedicated features, including:

• Modern Classrooms: Designed to foster inclusive learning and cater to a variety of needs.
• Sensory Room: A calming and stimulating space that can be used for relaxation, sensory exploration, and supporting emotional regulation.
• Forest School Area: Encouraging a connection with nature and providing opportunities for outdoor learning.
• Hydrotherapy Pool: Offering therapeutic benefits and promoting physical well-being.

The project is meticulously planned to minimise disruption to students’ education. Construction of the new school will be phased to occur alongside the operation of the existing facility. Once the new building is complete and operational, students and staff will seamlessly transition to their new learning environment. Following this move, the original buildings will be demolished to make way for the future.

Kier Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the project, bringing their expertise in building exceptional educational spaces. Pozzoni Architects, renowned for their innovative and inclusive school designs, will lead the architectural vision. Smith & Love Planning Consultants are proud to be a part of this collaborative team, leveraging their planning expertise to ensure a smooth and successful project delivery.

For those interested in further details about the planning application, reference number 110192/PSI/23 can be found on Trafford Council’s planning portal.

Partnering with You on Your SEN School Development

At Smith & Love Planning Consultants, we are passionate about supporting schools in creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments for all students, especially those with SEN. Our team of experienced consultants possesses a wealth of knowledge in navigating the complexities of SEN school development projects. Whether you’re embarking on a new school build, seeking to expand existing facilities, or wish to make your current space more inclusive, we can guide you through the planning process and help turn your vision into reality.

If you are interested in contacting us about your future development please head to our ‘Contact Us‘ page to see how you can get in touch via email, online form or through a call.

St John Vianney school transformation