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Stephanie Kyle
Architect and Inclusive Design Consultant | Maber Architects

'How to Incorporate Neurodiverse-inclusive Design Whilst Complying with the DfE’s Requirements'

In the realm of education, creating an environment that caters to the diverse needs of students is crucial. Neurodiverse-inclusive design, focusing on neurodivergent pupils such as those with ASD and ADHD, has emerged as a critical facet of this effort.

In this presentation, we explore ‘quick wins’ and cost-effective design choices that enhance the school experience for neurodivergent learners. These choices, like selecting appropriate colours and materials, controlling sensory input, and adopting multi-sensory wayfinding strategies, not only improve the learning environment but also align seamlessly with the DfE Technical Annexes.

Clare Bowman & Suzie Longstaff
Architect & Principal | RCZM Architects + London Park Schools

'The Biophilic Classroom, The Benefits of Nature in Learning Environments'

Celebrating 5 years research and design in schools, the talk will focus on recent projects to provide latest guidance on;

• Biophilic design approach for schools

• Importance of Green Infrastructure master planning

• Using Flourish Wheel for Wellbeing

• Natural solutions for improving air quality

• Campus Design Codes for wellbeing

• Plant Guide for Schools

Melanie Robinson
Associate | BIM Academy

'How to Develop an Estate Optimisation Strategy Using Digital Processes'

Education delivery is becoming increasingly digital as new technologies are being integrated into programmes and lessons. In tandem, digital technologies and processes are now becoming the norm for project delivery on new educational buildings. However, understanding how this digital information is being managed in operation is critical to realising its true value. Applying the rhetoric of ‘data saves lives’, which is an integral part of recent governmental strategies focusing on healthcare estates, we can start to understand the role data and digital information play in effective estate and asset management.

This talk will look at how we are applying digital processes to help our educational facilities become more resilient and flexible in their daily operations. To do so, Dr Melanie Robinson will provide an overview of how to develop an estate optimisation strategy, which will inform how you procure and manage digital information to support your estate-based objectives. It should draw on other organisational strategies too, such as environmental, education, design and construction, estates, and ICT strategies, to ensure a holistic view of what digital information is required.

Craig Taylor
Director | Lungfish Architects

'Creating a Blueprint for Innovative School Design'

Local authorities’ resources are stretched more than ever. But new projects are still expected to deliver lasting positive impacts, and the public sector has to unlock new ways of working to ensure value is maximised.

While this could prove a challenge, clear and creative design – established through a collaborative approach – will be the strongest weapon in local authorities’ armoury if they’re to deliver quality assets for their communities. And crucially, they’ll be able to maximise the budget available to them.

Having delivered six schools for councils in the Derby and Derbyshire areas in the last five years, Craig will share how design intelligence has added significant value through MMC in the design and build process. And that standardisation has been the key to unlocking efficiency whilst unleashing creativity.

Andrew Dutton
Sector Leader - Education | Arcadis

‘Mitigating Estate Risk and Enhancing Outcomes Through Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS)’

The Good estate management for schools (GEMS) has been available since 2018 and provides a great source of support to schools and responsible bodies.

With many Trusts facing challenges relating to the condition of their estates and responding to issues such as RAAC, there is significant pressure on Trusts and their estate teams. This is compounded with limited budgets and time to implement. How can Trusts access support and prioritise estate interventions?

The Department for Education’s (DfE) Capital Adviser Programme seeks to provide realistic and practical insights and suggestions, linked to GEMS to support Trusts in enhancing estate management practices and processes.

We will provide an overview of the importance of GEMS considerations to Trust estate management and outline how the Capital Adviser Programme is meeting the needs of Trusts.