Teachernet, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities

Children and young people need attractive, accessible school buildings. 'Inclusive' design can enable and empower those with SEN and disabilities to participate fully in life at school and in the wider community.

Building Bulletin 102: Designing for disabled children and children with special educational needs provides non-statutory design guidance on accommodation for children with SEN and disabilities for special school and mainstream school projects. It replaces Building Bulletin 77: Designing for Pupils with Special Educational Needs, Special Schools as well as Building Bulletin 91, Access for Disabled People to School Buildings and Building Bulletin 94, Inclusive School Design.

The publication includes: 'inclusive design principles', guidance on individual spaces and technical guidance on building construction, environmental services, furniture, equipment and ICT. It is not prescriptive but provides a starting point for authorities, schools and designers to develop solutions to suit local needs. The recommended area standards are significantly increased compared with those in Building Bulletin 77, to reflect increased pupil needs, changing practices, legislation and policies.

Building Bulletin 102 includes sample accommodation schedules for different sizes and types of school. The Department plans to provide additional schedules on this site in 2009.

A copy of the publication is available here.
Copies of the publication can also be purchased here.
For mainstream primary schools, Building Bulletin 102 should be read in conjunction with Building Bulletin 99: Briefing Framework for Primary School Projects. A copy of this publication is available here.
For mainstream secondary schools, Building Bulletin 102 should be read in conjunction with Building Bulletin 98: Briefing Framework for Secondary School Projects. A copy of this publication is available here.
If you have any specific queries or comments on SEN or Disabled Access you can get in touch by email.