We managed a scheme to improve facilities at the Rising Stars School, a member of the Constellation Multi-Academy Trust, giving them new accessible classrooms.
Rising Stars is for students with cognition and learning and speech, language and communication needs, with students also often having other sensory or physical impairments or disabilities. Rising Stars is located on the site of Francis Askew Primary School, but in a separate building with all its own facilities. Their aim is to provide an outstanding education that ensures all students make academic progress, regardless of their special educational needs, but also develop the skills to be able to take their place in society as responsible adults who can make a positive contribution to their community.
This project hugely expanded their facilities, converting a void space to create five new classrooms, a dedicated group room, improved dining facilities and modern toilet facilities, alongside improved accessibility features such as wider corridors and ramped access.
The project was delivered on time and within budget and will create 24 extra places for pupils aged 11-16 years old with special educational needs and disabilities.
It was also important to us that we engaged with young people at the school. As well as encouraging them to learn more about the work happening on site and providing work experience opportunities, we also went a step further for one young person who had a real passion and knowledge of construction machinery. To help him concentrate on his lessons while work was going on, Sewell Construction’s site manager gave the ten-year-old a tour of the site each week, telling him all about the machinery, when it would be arriving, and what it would be doing, so he knew what would be happened. At the end of the project, to reward his attention to his lessons, the suppliers Fairfax Plant Hire organised a special 13-tonne digger to be brought to site so the child could see it up close, followed later by a tour of the machinery factory. This all contributes to ensuring children with special educational needs are given opportunities to pursue their passion and potential future career options.
“The development of our new Rising Stars building has been a shining example of true collaborative working. We’re incredibly grateful to the Local Authority SEND department for their unwavering support, to Esteem for their expert coordination, and to the building team at Sewell Construction for their thoughtful, student-centred approach at every stage.
This investment represents a major step forward for SEND provision in the city – doubling our capacity and providing modern, accessible classrooms designed around the specific needs of our learners.
These new spaces will make a real difference: they will empower our students to engage more fully, feel safe and supported, and access learning in a way that’s right for them.
It’s a proud moment for us as part of The Constellation Trust and Rise Academy’s estate, and a milestone in our mission to ensure every child with an Education, Health & Care Plan has the opportunity to thrive in a setting that truly understands and meets their needs.”
Philip Mountain Wade, Executive Head of Alternative Curriculum & Community Engagement, The Constellation Trust
