Great Yorkshire Build is a unique collaborative initiative bringing together the private, public and third sectors to transform SEND educational facilities across Yorkshire.
Led by Yorkshire Children’s Charity in partnership with the Yorkshire property sector, Great Yorkshire Build delivers life-changing building works, specialist equipment and improved facilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
From sensory rooms and purpose-built rebound therapy spaces to specialist classrooms, playgrounds and outdoor learning environments, GYB is helping create safe, inclusive and inspiring spaces where SEND pupils can learn, develop and thrive.
Transforming SEND education facilities across Yorkshire
Transforming SEND education facilities across Yorkshire
Many SEND schools require specialist facilities that are designed around the unique needs of their pupils. Great Yorkshire Build works directly with schools and their partners to deliver significant improvements to buildings, learning environments and specialist provisions.
Transforming SEND education facilities across Yorkshire
Projects can include:
Purpose-built SEND classrooms and learning spaces
Sensory rooms and specialist sensory facilities
Rebound therapy rooms
Accessible playgrounds and outdoor spaces
Specialist equipment and resources
Refurbishment and redevelopment of existing school facilities
Bespoke facilities designed around the needs of pupils and staff
By bringing together expertise, funding and professional services from across Yorkshire’s commercial property sector, the Great Yorkshire Build enables schools to access improvements that might otherwise be difficult to deliver.
Great Yorkshire Build projects
Great Yorkshire Build has already supported major projects at SEND and specialist educational settings across the region, including:
Brooklands School, Skipton
A £1 million project focused on the transformation of the early years classrooms and outdoor space, creating a state-of-the-art sensory space and a purpose-built rebound therapy facility.
Hilltop School, Rotherham
A £3 million project delivered for the Nexus Multi Academy Trust. The work is being delivered across three phases and includes; reconfiguration of the existing school building to create vital new classrooms and staff spaces, construction of a purpose-built rebound therapy centre, creating dedicated therapeutic spaces designed to support children with complex needs, and construction of a new block of three classrooms to replace old and inadequate facilities.
These facilities will play a crucial role in both learning and wellbeing, offering opportunities and specialist provisions that would otherwise be out of reach.
Brian Jackson Colleage, Huddersfield
H3 – Brian Jackson Colleage, Huddersfield
The refurbishment of a derelict mill to create a fully fitted gym which will aid the students’ learning and create a space for self-regulation.
Grange Farm Primary
A refurbishment of an existing not-fit-for-purpose building to create meeting rooms, a large therapy room, a storage room and a counselling room.
What can be achieved through collaboration?
The Great Yorkshire Build demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when schools, charities, businesses, the public sector and the commercial property industry work together.
The initiative harnesses professional expertise, financial support, and pro-bono contributions from the Yorkshire property sector to help transform SEND education environments.
To date, there are over 100 contractors involved in the delivery of the Hilltop School project, all of whom share our ambition to create a space where children and teachers alike feel supported.
This collaborative approach not only helps unlock major capital projects but also brings together people and organisations with a shared goal: creating better facilities and opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
The impact of Great Yorkshire Build has also been recognised nationally, with the initiative being shortlisted for the National Charity Awards.
Supporting SEND schools with the Yorkshire property sector
Yorkshire Children’s Charity works with businesses and professionals across the commercial property sector to secure financial, professional and pro-bono support for Great Yorkshire Build projects.
Through events including the [Yorkshire Commercial Real Estate Awards], we bring together the property community to help raise awareness, funding and expertise for SEND schools across the region.
This support can make a substantial difference. At Hilltop School alone, the £3 million project includes £2.2 million of pro-bono support, demonstrating the scale of what can be achieved when businesses contribute their time, expertise and resources.
Building better futures for children with SEND
The Great Yorkshire Build is more than a programme of building works. It is a long-term commitment to improving the environments in which children and young people with SEND learn, develop and grow.
By transforming classrooms, therapy spaces, sensory facilities, playgrounds and other specialist environments, GYB helps schools provide facilities that are better equipped to meet the needs of their pupils.
Together, we can transform SEND schools across Yorkshire and create better places for children to learn, grow and thrive.
