Broomfield South SILC, South Leeds

The project involved the design and construction of two Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres (SILCs) in Leeds for Leeds City Council Children’s Services, commissioned through Interserve Construction Ltd under the Building Schools for the Future programme. The developments included a 50-pupil extension to Broomfield School (South Leeds) and a new stand-alone school, West Oaks Woodhouse Learning Centre (North Leeds) for students aged 3–19 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly autism.

Work began in March 2013 with feasibility studies for eight potential sites, with the two final sites selected later that year. Construction ran from June 2014, completing in May 2015 (Broomfield) and August 2015 (West Oaks Woodhouse). The buildings total 4,565 sqm, with construction costs of £2.5 million for Broomfield and £6.5 million for West Oaks.

Both sites presented constraints: Broomfield required the diversion of a public footpath, while the Woodhouse site was tight, sloping, and crossed by a sewer, requiring a multi-storey solution. The schools were designed with clear, simple layouts and central spine corridors to support easy navigation, calming spaces, and natural ventilation—important for students with autism. Materials, lighting, acoustics, and services were carefully specified to avoid sensory disturbances.

To meet tight budgets and programme requirements, the buildings used a prefabricated Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) system, enabling fast construction and good thermal performance. Panels were factory-made and assembled rapidly on site, forming walls, floors, and roofs. The design incorporated robust detailing, specialist equipment, large storage areas, and secure external layouts to safely accommodate students arriving by minibus.

Overall, the two SILC schools successfully delivered specialised learning environments tailored to complex user needs while meeting budget and schedule constraints.