A TRAMPOLINE room, hydrotherapy pool and swing therapy facility are being built at a school to help special education needs learners to develop.

Work is progressing well on new “home from home” accommodation being built by Morgan Sindall Construction at the new 20-bedroom residential accommodation for pupils at Glenwood School, Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet.

The building features 26 spacious classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool and specialist facilities to help meet the sensory needs of learners, including swing therapy rooms and a trampoline room to help promote body awareness, postural control and organisation of the senses.

A “topping out” ceremony was held by Morgan Sindall Construction to celebrate reaching the highest point in the building’s structure.

Essex County councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member for education, said: “The residential space will perfectly complement the school’s existing facilities and provide an important space to develop social skills. This is a fantastic addition to the school and I look forward to seeing the completed build.”

Headteacher Judith Salter said: “This is a very exciting development for the school. We are looking forward to improving outcomes by extending our involvement with young people and their families and carers.”

Glenwood School’s state-of-the-art education facility provides support for children and young adults with severe and multiple learning difficulties.

As well as providing comfortable accommodation adjacent to the main school building, the residential facilities will enable Glenwood School to provide a 24-hour curriculum, Monday to Thursday during term time, for the students - aged from three to 19 - who attend the school.

While staying there, pupils will be able to learn valuable life skills and how to share social and residential spaces with others, plus support them to develop positive behaviours and relationships.

Chris Travers, operations director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Glenwood School is a truly inspirational place where young people can feel safe and secure and really make the most of their education journey.

“We are incredibly proud to have overseen this wonderful transformation and we’ve worked closely with the council and the school.”