80, Blackstock Road, London, N4 2DR

Proposal

The proposal is to install a prefabricated, modular ‘breakout pod’ in the corner of the playground. The proposed location is the north-west corner adjacent to the woodland area and existing out-building. The structure will be single storey and cover 24sqm of external floorspace, with an external height of 2.7m. Although the pod is fitted with external lighting, these will not be connected to avoid negatively impact neighbour’s amenity. The project was approved by Islington Council’s Education Capital Board and was the outcome of an extensive process involving consultation with schools and evaluation of feasibility reports. Funding has been allocated through Islington’s SEND Mainstream Inclusion Programme. The proposed pod will provide an alternative, calm, safe, and purpose-designed environment to support emotional regulation, small group work, therapeutic interventions, and individual support sessions, complementing existing classroom provision. The main objective is to support children with special educational needs, particularly those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Within the national context of increasing numbers of pupils requiring SEND support, additional breakout space is needed to support interventions. Ambler has a large and stable school population - to meet the growing needs of our pupils, additional space outside the main building is needed. While the main objective is to support pupils with SEND, the pod is likely to be used more flexibly for the benefit of all pupils and the wider school community. It may be used as a lunchtime and after-school activity area or an all-weather play space for example. The proposed location is adjacent to the boundary wall with 78 Blackstock Road and an existing outbuilding. The quiet corner would provide a calm, low-stimulus environment and the adjacent woodland area also supports movement and sensory breaks. The proximity to the exisiting outbuilding will allow for electricity and water to be run simply to the proposed structure. The 3m high boundary wall, and overall position of the pod, will minimise any potential noise and visual impact. The structure is manufactured off-site and would be lowered into position onto a concrete slab base, to be prepared in advance. The preparatory work would involve removal of three shrubs of low amenity value. While exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, the school has been increasing biodiversity on-site (e.g. the Forest area by the children's centre), and plans to further increase the biodiversity with planting along a length of the woodland area and installation of a pond. While the plan includes the removal of a small play structure, there are other structures and equipment throughout the playground. The school will also be engaging in a collaborative co-design project to redesign the playground and has recently joined the OPAL programme - both emphasise child-centred play and a rich environment that support it.