On track to hand over in November, the £30 million new school will provide a dedicated learning environment for up to 160 children with special educational needs. The school also forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s wider strategy to address the increasing demand for specialist school places by ensuring they have access to the support and facilities they need to thrive.

Arc Partnership is responsible for the design, cost and project management of the scheme.

To celebrate the successful installation of structural elements on the project, a ceremonial signing event of the timber frame was held. Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, was joined by fellow councillors, plus representatives from Arc Partnership, Morgan Sindall and Diverse Academies Trust.

Sustainability also remains at the forefront of the project. Working in collaboration with Arc Partnership, Morgan Sindall helped achieve a substantial reduction in embodied carbon. The selection of a Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) over of a traditional steel frame, for example, saved more than 750 tonnes of CO2e – the equivalent of heating 280 UK homes annually.

To date, close to 50% of the workforce live within 20 miles of the site, while 63% of the total project spend has been with SMEs within this area, helping boost the local economy and generate meaningful social value.

Councillor Sam Smith, County Council Leader, saw first-hand how much the building has progressed. Describing why the council is proud to invest this £30m project, he said: "We are committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, and their families, and to providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire. It is vital we invest in our future generations.”