OVERVIEW
Genesis Education Trust (GET) is a multi-academy trust committed to delivering inclusive, high-quality education. At St Saviour’s C of E Primary School, the Trust identified the need to remodel existing facilities to increase nursery capacity, improve accessibility, and address safeguarding requirements. Barker supported them with a School-Based Nursery Capital Grant application to provide a feasibility report and budget cost plan to guide the Trust’s investment.
THE BRIEF
The project focused on repurposing a standalone block so the entire ground floor could be dedicated to nursery use. Previously, a classroom was shared with the main school, restricting nursery growth. With 92 families on the waiting list for under-2 places, demand was clear. The brief also included upgrading outdated washrooms to ensure they met modern standards of accessibility and care.
THE CHALLENGES
The main challenge was balancing ambitious design goals with funding constraints. When initial tender returns came back over budget, Barker worked with the Trust to undertake a value engineering exercise. This ensured the project stayed within budget while retaining its key outcomes.
THE OUTCOME
Following a successful School-Based Nursery Capital Grant application and through careful space reallocation, the nursery gained a new under-2s room (increasing capacity from 28 to 43), a larger washroom, and changing areas which improved functionality. While the relocation of a classroom into a refurbished breakout library ensured the school’s teaching capacity was unaffected.
The result was a modernised, purpose-built nursery environment aligned with GET’s vision of safe, inclusive education. By delivering practical, cost-effective design solutions, Barker enabled the Trust to expand provision, improve efficiency, and meet the needs of both pupils and staff.
Click here to find out more about the latest round of School-Based Nursery Funding and see if your school is eligible.
