The Educational Therapeutic Unit is a joint funded proposal from the diocese/local authority and central government to provide a facility that will offer a range of support, counselling and advice for children, young people, parents and families affected by local issues, including the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.
Barker was appointed to take over key aspects of the build, which was intended to honour Isaac Paulos, a former pupil at the school who lost his life in the fire.
A public consultation needed to take place to ensure plans met the needs of the community and the project received maximum engagement from its end users. The site was small, so the build required input from a team that is used to navigating challenging conditions – and the school needed to remain open and operational throughout each phase. Barker worked diligently alongside subcontractors to fulfil the above requirements.
The new Education and Wellbeing Centre provides a high-quality, inclusive environment that supports pupils and their families, with dedicated spaces for therapy, learning and sensory development. It serves as a valuable community hub, hosting training, workshops and classes, and offering a welcoming space that promotes wellbeing, connection and opportunity for residents. The building was officially opened by journalist and presenter Jon Snow.
