Opening of Tuke School project

Inside, students can follow by touch a trail built into the walls of the main corridor to visit different areas of the school.

The hi-tech new facililty is a one storey 'sensory school' that uses light, sound and touch to give Tuke students, many who are in wheelchairs, the opportunity to explore, find their own way and develop their independence. Inside, students can visit different areas of the school by following a touch trail built into the walls of the main corridor. In certain areas lighting can be changed to help students explore action and reaction, teachers can also change the atmosphere to help their work with the students.

In the carefully designed outside play space, students can enjoy either noisy or quiet play on a variety of surfaces and equipment. The building itself is highly sustainable, with a ground-source heat pump, an earth tube, a sustainable drainage system and a sedum-covered green roof.

Over the past week, staff have been training and familiarising themselves with their new building. Final cleaning and tidying, as well as final security checks to ensure it was safe to occupy, were completed yesterday to ready it for use by students this morning. 

Pamela Fennell, programme director, 4 Futures, said:  "I am delighted that Tuke students and staff can now begin to use this new state-of-the-art learning environment together. This is a wonderful building and one that we are very proud to have delivered. This is a true sensory school with the equipment, facilities and technology to give Tuke students an exciting and stimulating education experience." 

Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for Southwark children's services, said: "The innovative new hi-tech facillity at Tuke school will really help enhance students' learning and enjoyment. In association with our partners Balfour Beatty and Building Schools for the Future Investments we have created a functional and inspiring building with cutting edge facilities that will be seen as an exemplary model."

Elaine Collis, head teacher at Tuke school, said: "We are pleased that the students have all responded postively to their new surroundings and have been able to interact with all aspects of this learning environment. Our students needs have been central to the design of this building and we have created a school that offers so much for students with complex learning needs and allows equal access to all. Our mission statement is 'learning everywhere and inspiring everyone.' The building will help to support us to deliver this vision."

4 Futures is a partnership of Southwark Council, Balfour Beatty and Building Schools for the Future Investments Ltd.