SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) and SEMH (Social Emotional Mental Health) School Properties

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It’s a term used in the UK to identify children and young people who have additional needs that cannot be met through regular classroom teaching.  These needs can be cognitive, physical, sensory, emotional, or social.

SEMH is a subcategory within SEND that specifically refers to Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs.

SEND and SEMH schools typically fall under Use Class F1 within the planning system.

Previously, these schools might have been classified under Use Class D1 (now defunct). However, changes in planning regulations grouped them under the broader Use Class F, which covers learning and non-residential institutions.

There are some crucial considerations when evaluating properties for use as SEND or SEMH facilities. Here’s how they can influence property requirements:

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: The building should be universally accessible, ensuring all students, regardless of their physical limitations, can easily navigate and participate. Features like ramps, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and lifts might be essential. Sensory considerations are also important. Spaces should be designed to reduce the risk of a child or young person being overwhelmed, potentially with features like designated quiet areas and adjustable lighting.
• Adapting for Specific Needs: Depending on the student population, the property might require dedicated spaces like therapy rooms, sensory integration rooms, or social skills development areas. Classrooms might need adaptations for smaller class sizes or designated areas for individual or small group work.
• Safety and Security: The property should prioritise the safety and security of students. This could involve secure entrances, designated staff supervision areas, and appropriate fencing.
• Compliance with Regulations: Any property used for SEND or SEMH education must comply with relevant building regulations and accessibility standards.  The UK Department for Education also has specific guidelines for such facilities.

Remember, these are general considerations.  The specific property requirements will vary depending on factors like:

• Age and Needs: Needs for a primary school with SEND students will differ from those of a secondary school with SEMH students.
• Type of Provision: Is it a mainstream school with SEND/SEMH resources, or a specialised school catering specifically to these needs?
• Number of Students: The size and layout of the property will need to accommodate the expected student population.

SEN Schools will always seek opportunities that provide suitable indoor education and classrooms, as well as outdoor space big enough to house a MUGA (multi use games area), as well as parking and drop off facilities, and some extra recreational external space.

The physical differences in properties between mainstream and SEN Schools do not differ too much, however where a mainstream school may have a capacity for 300 + students, an SEN school of the same size may only cater for 80 students (depending on the needs of the students attending).

While Use Class F1 offers flexibility for most SEND schools, some specialised facilities within them might require additional planning permission. Use Class F1 allows for changes of use within a school setting as long as it remains a learning institution (e.g., converting a library to a computer lab). This flexibility is helpful for SEND schools to adapt their spaces. However, some specialised facilities within a SEND school might have features or purposes that fall outside the scope of Use Class F1. These might require additional planning permission to ensure they comply with regulations and don’t create unintended impacts.

Here are some examples of specialised facilities that could potentially require additional permission:

• Hydrotherapy Pools: These pools involve specific water treatment systems and potentially disabled access considerations that might need approval beyond Use Class F1.
• On-site Medical Suites: Medical suites might have specific storage needs for medical supplies, waste disposal protocols, or require additional safety measures. These aspects might need justification beyond the scope of a regular classroom.
• Other Examples: Other specialised facilities like sensory rooms or vocational training workshops with specific equipment could also raise questions about their fit within Use Class F1, depending on their complexity and potential impact.

The majority of the time, an F1 use will cover all extras as ‘ancillary accommodation’ and therefore planning won’t be required. If the school offers residential care alongside the school, then a different planning application and process will need to be entered.

Always consult your local planning authority or an independent expert regarding modifications for any specialised facilities within a SEND school. They can assess the specifics of the facility and determine if an additional planning application is necessary.