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A 拢13m Special Educational Needs school has become one of the latest schools to open under the Barnsley BSF scheme.

The Springwell school, designed by Atkins and built by Laing O鈥橰ourke, was one of the schemes that escaped the axe when education secretary Michael Gove cancelled the 拢55bn 黑洞社区 Schools for the Future scheme in July 2010.

The school caters for 3-18 year olds with special behavioural, emotional and social needs, and is based around a 鈥渒inaesthetic鈥� learning environment where pupils learn through drama, dance, music and games.

The timber-clad building includes a biomass boiler and wind turbine, rainwater recycling and maximises natural ventilation and daylight through the use of glazed, roof-mounted cowells.

Philip Watson, design director at Atkins, said: 鈥淲e understood from the staff it was essential they have a variety of flexible spaces necessary to support the needs of all the pupils, so that each student can thrive. We had to create a sense of intimacy, safety and homeliness.鈥�

Josie Thirkell, executive head teacher, said: 鈥淭he process of developing the design with the architect was fantastic because it brought new possibilities. We are delighted with the results 鈥� it has a calm and nurturing atmosphere and the staff and students love it.鈥�

The school was delivered by the Barnsley Local Education Partnership, a public private partnership between Barnsley council, 黑洞社区 Schools for the Future Investments and Barnsley Partnership for Learning 鈥� a joint venture between Laing O鈥橰ourke and John Laing.