Work has started at Mayfield School to build a new Administration Block, which will allow existing space within the school to be remodelled to accommodate improved, reconfigured teaching and learning spaces.

We have approved the £1.5m funding as part of the Children’s Services Capital Programme, supporting the commitment to improve existing facilities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities.

The exciting new development is being project managed by TDA, part of TDA Group, working together with approved local contractor Nevada Construction.

The new single storey Administration Block will allow space for additional facilities such as 1:1 office and session rooms, group session rooms, training room, mobility washrooms, accessible kitchens and storage areas. The new block will interconnect to existing buildings, allowing full accessibility across the site. External works being carried out as part of the project will include a new staff entrance from Steps Lane and landscaping of the surrounding grounds.

Stuart Heron, Headteacher at Mayfield School said: “Our new block will have a hugely positive impact for pupils and staff. The extension will enable us to accommodate a significant number of our administrative and support staff into a centralised location whereby freeing their current offices and spaces for learning, teaching and intervention. The organic nature of Mayfield’s growth has led to a piecemeal blend of classrooms and admin offices interspersed. The new extension will enable us to plan for high impact learning, support and intervention in appropriate spaces close to classrooms and social spaces. The net gain and use of these breakout spaces will help us meet the complex Education, Health and Care needs of all of our pupils and increase positive outcomes.”

TDA, who are responsible for our Schools Capital Programme, is overseeing the new developments at the school.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council said; “We are incredibly proud of the support we can provide local schools to improve school facilities and the learning environment. Once complete, it will be great to see the new extension at Mayfield School and the positive impact it will have at the school. With Torbay Council providing the funding, these projects will really help improve the outcomes and attainment of young people in Torbay.”

TDA’s teams are providing architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical design as the principal designer for the project. TDA are also providing project management, quantity surveying, feasibility studies and consultation throughout the build. TDA will continue to manage the operations of the building following the completion of the works.

Councillor Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Many of Torbay’s schools are continually improving their facilities to provide our young people with exciting and engaging spaces where they can learn. We look forward to seeing pupils at Mayfield School thrive in their new facilities, once works complete next summer. We are committed to continually seeking funding to support education across Torbay.”

The works at Mayfield School are underway and are expected to complete in July 2022.