Project Value:
Client:
Key Points
Department for Education funded
Single form entry
Integrated SEND provision
Live school delivery
Welsh House Farm Community Primary School is a Department for Education funded redevelopment project in Harborne, Birmingham, responding to the need for modern, fit for purpose primary education facilities. Following a competitive DfE procurement process, Tilbury Douglas, supported by Associated Architects, was appointed to deliver a new single form entry primary school alongside a nursery and dedicated SEND resource base.
The existing school buildings no longer met current DfE standards for suitability, accessibility or spatial efficiency. The proposals deliver accommodation for 248 primary pupils, a 26 FTE nursery and a 12 place SEND unit, aligned with the DfE School Specific Brief, Generic Design Brief and BB103 requirements. A key project driver was maintaining the existing school operation throughout construction, ensuring continuity of education while delivering a high-quality new learning environment.
The new school is arranged over two storeys in an L shaped form, allowing the building footprint to be minimised and external play space maximised. A centrally located hall forms the heart of the school, positioned adjacent to the main entrance and designed for both school and community use. Early years provision is prioritised at ground floor, with nursery and reception areas directly connected to secure outdoor learning and play spaces.
SEND accommodation is fully integrated within the building, including dedicated classrooms, therapy rooms, small group spaces and resource areas, supporting a wide range of needs. Accessibility is embedded throughout the design, with lifts, level access, accessible WCs and clear circulation ensuring inclusive use for pupils, staff and visitors. Teaching spaces, staff areas and specialist rooms are arranged to support safeguarding, supervision and efficient day to day operation in line with DfE guidance.
The site strategy responds to a constrained residential context, mature trees, services easements and flood risk considerations. The new building is carefully positioned to maintain required separation distances to neighbouring properties and protect existing root protection zones. Phasing and logistics strategies ensure clear segregation between construction activity and pupils during works.
External works include improved access, parking and drop off arrangements, enhanced pedestrian safety and dedicated provision for SEND transport. Landscape design retains and enhances green infrastructure, delivers biodiversity net gain and incorporates nature-based SuDS to manage surface water. A biodiverse green roof and photovoltaic panels support the project’s sustainability objectives, delivering a durable, efficient school that meets current and future Department for Education standards.
