A NEW £15million special educational needs school has received a top prize for the great facility it offers to children.

Glenwood School was chosen as the winner in the community benefit category at the prestigious Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards.

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, in Benfleet, was recognised for addressing the needs of SEN school places and community facilities at the East of England Awards, which recognises outstanding developments in the region.

The £15m scheme was commissioned by Essex County Council.

The state-of-the-art building includes 26 classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool and specialist facilities to help meet pupils’ sensory needs, including swing therapy rooms and a trampoline room to help promote body awareness, sequencing, postural control and organisation of the senses.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, praised the school for already making a major difference to the lives of its pupils.

He said: “We are committed to ensuring all pupils receive the best possible education and work hard to ensure this is within an environment that meets their individual needs.

“Glenwood School is a fantastic example of the council’s investment in special school places across the county, which will benefit pupils now and for years to come.

“This new building is already making a huge difference to pupils with Special Education Needs in south Essex.

“We are delighted pupils are able to learn in a stimulating and welcoming environment, which not only supports their development now, but provides a good foundation for future learning.”

The RICS Awards were held on Friday, May 11 and are the premier property and construction awards in the country, honouring the most innovative projects in the region and their impact on local communities.

Gary Buick, director at construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, is impressed.

He said: “We’re delighted that Glenwood has won this incredibly prestigious award.

“This project was delivered to address a severe shortage of SEN school places in Essex.

“The team worked closely with the school to ensure that the design met the needs of the pupils and fitted the ethos of the school.

“Glenwood School provides the very best support and learning opportunities for children and young adults with special educational needs.”