The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre (EHRLC) was established in 1972 to support children with special educational needs. Following the devastating hurricanes of September 2017, the original facility was severely damaged and students were temporarily relocated to alternative accommodation.
A new purpose-built learning centre was subsequently developed to provide a modern, accessible and well-equipped environment for students with diverse abilities.
The new facility has been designed to accommodate up to 30 students, including children who are severely autistic, have physical or intellectual disabilities, or have a range of learning disabilities.
Project Overview
The new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre was designed to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students with complex and diverse needs can learn and develop.
Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the design, with the facility incorporating specialist learning spaces, sensory areas, therapy facilities and accessible personal care provision.
As part of the specialist equipment package, Astor Bannerman supplied and installed a range of hoisting and accessible washing solutions throughout the centre, supporting both students and staff.
The equipment was installed across the classrooms, sensory room, Hygiene Room, main hall and boys’ and girls’ toilet facilities.
What’s Inside: Our Specification
The project included the installation of:
→ Astor OT200 Ceiling Track Hoists installed throughout the classrooms, sensory room and Hygiene Room, providing safe and efficient support for assisted transfers.
→ A Mobile Hoist provided for the centre’s high-ceilinged main hall, allowing flexible hoisting provision within the large communal space.
→ Astor ABW-CP Wash Basin installed within the Hygiene Room, providing an accessible solution to support personal care and hygiene.
→ Astor Shower Trolley installed within the Hygiene Room, providing a safe and dignified solution for assisted showering and personal care.
→ Two Astor ABW Wash Basins installed within the boys’ and girls’ toilet facilities, providing accessible washing facilities throughout the centre.
Supporting Inclusive Education
The new facilities provide:
→ Safe, dignified personal care for students
→ Reduced manual handling risks for staff
→ Improved accessibility within the school environment
→ Specialist hoisting provision across classrooms and sensory spaces
→ Flexible hoisting support within the main hall
→ Accessible washing and showering facilities
For the learning centre, this represents:
→ Investment in inclusive infrastructure
→ Improved support for students with additional needs
→ A purpose-built environment designed around accessibility
→ Future-ready facilities to support students and staff
A Modern, Future-Ready Learning Environment
The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre demonstrates how specialist equipment can be integrated throughout an educational environment to support accessibility, safety and dignity.
By combining Astor OT200 Ceiling Track Hoists, a mobile hoist, an ABW-CP Wash Basin, an Astor Shower Trolley and two Astor ABW Wash Basins, the centre now benefits from specialist facilities designed to support students with a wide range of physical and personal care needs.
The project provides a modern, inclusive learning environment where specialist equipment supports not only personal care and safe moving and handling, but also the wider student experience.
Get In Touch
If you would like to learn more about specialist hoisting solutions and accessible equipment for schools, or discuss a project with our team, please get in touch today.
