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

Commercial Properties Suitable for SEND & SEMH Schools for Sale or to Let

Bernard Gordon & Co. have the privilege of working with organisations seeking sites to establish schools for children with special educational needs. Previously falling within the D1 market, these properties now fall within use class F1. This is an emerging property market that is evolving quickly. We have seen demand for properties suitable for SEND and SEMH grow significantly over the years. Many of our clients tell us this is due to the insufficient number of SEN schools across the country, mainstream schools without suitable SEN provisions, or a lack of availability within SEN provisions. With this in mind, we make it a priority to continuously look to acquire suitable premises. We have worked with some of the largest organisations in the country, helping to find and develop many commercial sites for special educational provision. Our dedicated team is familiar with the regulations and challenges in finding a suitable premise for SEND & SEMH pupils ,however, we are proud of our extensive knowledge and commitment to assist in finding the right property.

While our usual focus is within London & the Southeast of England, we understand the demand for these schools is nationwide and so we are familiar with sourcing sites across the country.

We have a selection of properties suitable for SEND & SEMH School purposes available to rent or buy. Please take a look at the listings below and use the filters to sort properties for sale or to let. Alternatively, contact us with your requirements, as we may have off-market opportunities to suit your needs.

Though we have dealt with these sites for many years, this market has joined the day nursery world in becoming extremely active. We work really hard to find urgently needed property with enough outside space. There are not enough SEND places for children in this country and we are doing all we can to help fix this.

There are no properties that currently fit this search criteria.

Buying & Renting SEND & SEMH School Buildings

Demand for properties suitable for SEND and SEMH use has increased exponentially since April 2021. With planning use class falling within F1 instead of D1 now, competition has reduced in this property market which means we can help our clients acquire premises that were formerly education institutions and schools, and to develop premises that previously weren’t deemed suitable.

This is a property market that we feel passionately about. We offer assistance, advice, and support and welcome conversations with any providers to advise on anything we can, whether just for a general chat about the market or assisting in sourcing properties. We have dealt with properties from Portsmouth to London, Newcastle, and everywhere in between; no location is off-limits for this market.

We understand that each oganisation with have varying requirements which will determine the space needed for students and staff. We know that accessibility inside the building is crucial, and that space for taxis and minibuses to bring and collect pupils is just as important as parking for staff. We recognise the need for outside leisure space and know safeguarding from surrounding buildings and residents is paramount. We consider all of these factors and more when assessing whether a premise is appropriate for a client’s needs.

We have several private clients who partner with schools and provide off-market property, so please do contact us with your requirements.

To avoid missing out on opportunities we bring to market, ensure you register with us so we can keep you up to date on suitable properties.

How We Can Help

Please do get in touch if you wish to discuss this further; we specialise in:

Disposals by way of lease or sale of freehold or long leasehold interest of D1/F1 properties suitable for SEND & SEMH school purposes
Purchasing freeholds and long leaseholds of properties suitable for SEND & SEMH school purposes
Rentals on new leases for properties suitable for SEND & SEMH school purposes
Guidance on opportunities that require planning permission, and working with various suppliers to ensure the correct advice is given from the right source

Expert D2/E Commercial Property Assistance

We offer guidance on likely rental levels achievable should a property come to market suitable for D1/F1 use
We offer guidance on likely sale levels achievable should a property come to market suitable for D1/F1 use
We can advise on the process of renting or selling a property from start to finish, offering advice, guidance, and recommendations along the way
We can offer guidance in suitable properties, planning implications, lease terms, negotiating etc.
We can provide an up-to-date guide on market trends should you need a better understanding of the market

Please contact us for further assistance with your property search; we are always delighted to help.

Make An Enquiry

SEND and SEMH Property FAQs

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.

Make An Enquiry

At Bernard Gordon, we don’t just offer SEND & SEMH properties for sale. We are experts across the commercial property market. Browse our other properties available for sale and to let:

Property Use Class E
Property Use Class F1
Property Use F2 & Specialist Uses
Day Nursery
Health & Medical
Dental
Gym
Fitness Studio
Offices
College/University
Religious/Community
Primary/Secondary School
SEND School
Tuition & Training
Other

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Sell Or Let With Us

Ben Wallis

Director

For more information on SEND & SEMH sites for sale, contact us today!