Client: Highfield Ely Academy
Location: Downham Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 1BD
Scope: Installation of four fully equipped Hygiene Rooms, including hoist-linked classroom access, showers, and a Life Skills area for older SEND students.
School Background
Highfield Ely Academy is a mixed special school for students aged 2–19, part of the Active Learning Trust. The school serves learners with moderate and severe learning difficulties, operating three linked Pathways (Green, Yellow, Blue) to ensure each student progresses at an appropriate pace. In its post-16 provision, known as “LINC (19–25)”, the academy supports adult transition through ASDAN LifeSkills accreditation and practical daily living skills, preparing students for independent adult life.
This latest project forms part of a significant extension aimed at older students, providing state-of-the-art hygiene and Life Skills facilities.
Project Overview
The project is designed to meet the personal care, moving and handling, and independence needs of older students with complex SEND requirements. Working with RG Carter who were appointed main contractor on the project.
Two of the Hygiene Rooms feature direct ceiling track hoist access from adjacent classrooms. These integrated pathways, with secure gate systems, allow students to transfer safely between classroom and hygiene room without leaving the learning environment, supporting both continuity of learning and enhanced dignity. One of the rooms also includes a shower alongside a height-adjustable changing table, providing a comprehensive assisted care solution.
The Life Skills room is equipped with a compact, height-adjustable Astor Aquba Wash Basin. Its small footprint and robust design make it ideal for SEND environments, allowing students to learn practical skills such as cooking, cleaning, washing up, and personal hygiene in a safe, controlled setting.
Technical Features
The four Hygiene Rooms are all fitted with Astor OT200 Ceiling Track Hoists, providing smooth and secure transfers that significantly reduce the physical strain on staff while increasing safety for students.
Each room includes Astor ABW-CP Height-Adjustable Wash Basins, ensuring ergonomic access for both students and staff.
The Astor CTX2-CP Height-Adjustable Changing Table installed in the shower room allows assisted care with integrated hygiene facilities, all finished with slip-resistant flooring, appropriate drainage, and wipe-clean surfaces to meet high standards of infection control.
The Importance of Hygiene Rooms in Schools
The new facilities at Highfield Ely Academy provide:
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Safe and accessible environments for students requiring personal care.
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Direct classroom-to-hygiene room access, reducing time out of learning spaces.
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Ergonomically designed equipment that lowers manual handling risks for staff.
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Improved workflow for staff and smoother care routines.
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Life Skills room supporting older students to develop independence and essential life skills.
For the school, this project represents:
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A major investment in inclusive infrastructure.
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Enhanced SEND provision through multiple Hygiene Rooms and hoist-linked classroom access.
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Increased capacity to support older students with complex needs.
Conclusion
The Highfield Ely Academy extension is a landmark project in inclusive education, demonstrating how thoughtful design, technical expertise, and specialist equipment can transform student experience.
By combining multiple purpose-built Hygiene Rooms, integrated ceiling track hoists, and Life Skills facilities, the school provides older SEND students with accessible, dignified, and future-ready environments.
Planned Opening: December 2025
Get In Touch
If you’d like to learn more about Hygiene Rooms for schools or discuss a project, please contact our team today.
