Project Background – Enhancing Specialist Learning Environments
Samuel Pepys School is a specialist Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school provides tailored support for pupils with a broad spectrum of complex cognitive, sensory, physical, and communication needs, requiring carefully considered learning environments that prioritise safety, consistency, and accessibility.
With the growing population in St Neots and a rising demand for specialist school places, Cambridgeshire County Council commissioned a major expansion to increase capacity and future-proof the school’s facilities.
Cambridgeshire County Council Expansion Programme
Delivered by Kier, the £10.7m project comprised:
- A new Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 teaching block
- A new main entrance, reception and meeting suite
- A larger dining hall and commercial kitchen
- Extensive remodelling of the Key Stage 2 block, reopened earlier this year
Flooring Requirements for SEN School Environments
Kier required a flooring solution capable of performing in high-demand educational settings and meeting specific SEN-related requirements, including:
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High durability for intensive daily use, including wheelchairs, mobility aids and movement of specialist equipment
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Acoustic performance to help reduce impact noise and support pupils with sensory sensitivities
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A stable, predictable surface for improved mobility and accessibility
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Low maintenance to support efficient facilities management
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Suitability across both new-build and refurbished teaching areas
Supacord – Durable, Low-Maintenance Flooring for SEN Schools
A total of 1,000m² of Supacord carpet tiles were installed across classroom environments as part of the expansion.
Supacord is widely recognised as one of the leading flooring solutions for UK education facilities, offering key benefits for SEN schools:
- Durability for high-traffic SEN settings:Supacord’s fibre-bonded construction is inherently anti-ravel and anti-fray, providing long-term resilience under wheelchair traffic, mobile equipment, and heavy footfall. This ensures consistent performance in classrooms where specialist devices are used daily.
- Enhanced acoustic performance: With excellent impact sound reduction properties, Supacord helps limit noise generated by movement, furniture, and footfall, supporting calmer learning environments that benefit pupils with sensory processing needs.
- Stable, secure surface for mobility support: The dense, low-pile construction provides a firm surface, supporting pupils with balance, coordination or mobility challenges. Its stability also suits learners who may engage in floor-based activities as part of sensory or developmental routines.
- Operational efficiency through low maintenance: Supacord’s robust fibres resist soiling and indentation, allowing caretaking teams to maintain clean, hygienic environments with minimal downtime, a key requirement in busy SEN settings.
- Design flexibility inclusive interior schemes: Available in 42 colours plus both sheet and tile formats, Supacord supports wayfinding, zoned learning spaces, and low-stimulus design approaches essential in SEN classrooms.
Opening of the New Facilities
The expanded Samuel Pepys School was formally opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, alongside representatives from Cambridgeshire County Council, the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, and the Mayor of St Neots. The project marks a significant investment in inclusive education and specialist provision for the region.
For technical guidance or to request Supacord samples for upcoming education projects, our team is here to support you.