Local school adds unique learning space using modular container units

The additional learning space made out of a shipping container. (Image supplied on behalf of Carrington Junior School by WPR Agency Limited)

A school near High Wycombe has used modular container units to add learning space for students that needed additional educational support.

Carrington Junior School in High Wycombe needed additional space to teach smaller groups of children who had fallen behind in their work following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The school decided that an external classroom space was required to fulfil the needs of the students that needed additional educational support. The classroom space needed to be flexible in design so it could accommodate the changing needs of students each year.

Having worked with S Jones Containers before, Carrington Junior School appointed the conversions team to deliver a solution that would create external classroom space for individual tutoring and smaller group lessons.

The S Jones conversions team designed and installed two 6m x 2.5m prefabricated modular container units to create the additional teaching space. The linked units were split into two rooms using a partition wall making the rooms suitable for around eight children to sit inside. The partition wall was complete with a doorway to offer easy access to both sides, and can be moved out to create a larger room.

The classrooms needed to be light and airy, with as much natural light as possible. Large windows were installed along both sides of the units and the front door featured a large glass panel. A decorative fascia was added around the top edges of the unit which helped the unit blend into the surrounding existing buildings on the school grounds.

The modular classroom was fitted with plenty of sockets so that teaching could be carried out seamlessly using electrical equipment. Heaters were installed on both sides of the unit for additional comfort in the colder months.

Ahead of the delivery of the modular units, a site visit to the school was conducted so the S Jones team could advise on the best place to install the unit, how much ground to clear and where to place the foundations. The conversions team also provided comprehensive after-sales support to ensure the local council’s planning regulations were met.

Emma Cameron, Headteacher at Carrington Junior School, said: ‘We did initially look at wooden structures for our new classrooms, however an external modular classroom was the better option for us as it had longevity and flexibility. After speaking to the conversions team at S Jones, we decided a bespoke modular unit, which was designed for our exact requirements, would be the best option for our teaching space.

From designing the classrooms all the way to delivering them, the service we received from S Jones Containers has been brilliant. Andy has been extremely helpful and anything we’ve asked he’s been able to provide answers for, and we’re really pleased with the finished classrooms.‘

Andy Nicholls, Technical Engineering Sales at S Jones Containers, said: ‘Modular classrooms are very popular solutions for the education sector. Not only are they high quality and durable, but they can also be installed with minimal disruption to day to day onsite activities at school.

Ensuring we got all the necessary design features into the new classrooms was an important aspect, but working closely with the school helped the design process run smoothly which resulted in a fantastic new teaching space. Thanks to the adaptability of our modular units, we were able to provide functional rooms that the pupils and teachers at Carrington Junior will enjoy and make use of for many years to come.‘

*Source of information : Press release supplied on behalf of Carrington Junior School by WPR Agency Limited.