Murrayburn Primary School

 

Murrayburn community hub

Murrayburn community hub was a library space in Murrayburn Primary School. 

As part of their improvement plan the school was keen to create a flexible teaching space that was also a relaxed place for parents and carers to use. The children and parent council group were engaged in the design process and this is the inspiring result. 

  • One wall has blue wallpaper printed with flowers the other wall is painted white with blue accents. Against one wall are two large wooden nooks to sit in. Two children relax to read in the circular nook, resting their backs on cushions. One child lies down on a large cushion in the larger house shaped nook and reads a book. At the far side of the room is a living room set up with an armchair, sofa and wicker chairs in a circle with little coffee tables. In the middle of the room, three boys sit at a table that can split into six individual triangular tables on colourful upholstered cube stools and a plastic chair.
  • A bright and cheerful classroom, the wall at the back of the room has blue wallpaper printed with flowers. On the wall are two large wooden nooks to sit in, one circular with a small green cushion and one larger house shaped with a big cushion inside. Bookshelves shaped like a branch and a tree are fixed to the wall. There is an armchair and a table that can split into six individual triangular tables with colourful upholstered cube stools surrounding it. A large dining table with benches is to one side.
  • A bright and cheerful classroom, the wall at the back of the room has blue wallpaper printed with flowers. On the wall are two large wooden nooks to sit in, one circular with a small green cushion and one larger house shaped with a big cushion inside. Bookshelves shaped like a branch and a tree are fixed to the wall. There is an armchair and a table that can split into six individual triangular tables with colourful upholstered cube stools surrounding it. A large dining table with benches is to one side.
  • One wall has blue wallpaper printed with flowers the other wall is painted white with blue accents. Against one wall are two large wooden nooks to sit in. Two children sit facing each other to read in the circular nook. One child sits on a large cushion in the larger house shaped nook and reads a book. On one side of the room is a living room set up with an armchair, rug and coffee tables. In the middle of the room, two boys sit at a table that can split into six individual triangular tables on colourful upholstered cube stools and a plastic chair. Another boy sits in a comfy chair at a large wooden dining table.

It is a flexible learning space and a library area, you can see from the photos the different places for the children to learn. They can choose a table for writing or a comfortable nook for some quiet reading. There are comfortable adult seats with a rug and coffee tables laid out like a living room complete with picture frames hanging on the wall to create a homely feel.

The use of natural wood, a colour palette from nature, floral wallpaper and tree-like book cases makes the space a pleasant place to be. The nooks are a welcome place to enjoy a book or a quiet space for some time out. 

The room has taken inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Almond Blossom’ as you can see in the wallpaper. 

Language and communication class at Murrayburn Primary School

City of Edinburgh Council currently have six mainstream schools with language classes included in them. They cater for primary aged children who have additional language and communication needs, often with a diagnosis of autism.

  • workstations are placed around the classroom
  • the room is bright, each workstation has work pinned onto the back and side boards
  • A hug machine
  • A tipi for a child to feel safe in is in an enclosed space in the classroom
  • group working tables are in the centre of the room
  • Workstations for children to sit at

Language classes have inclusive learning environments with low sensory stimulation.

They have space for children to work independently or as part of a group.

They are organised to encourage independence.

Break out areas or access to other facilities can include sensory rooms or soft play and a safe place for children to support them to self regulate when needed.

The Additional Support for Learning service reviewed Language and Communication Class (LCC) environments as part of a multi-disciplinary consultation and came up with a list of essential and desirable elements for the classes. This process has enabled a degree of consistency for LCC environments across the schools and ensures they all have essential needs met.

The playroom

The playroom was designed to create an inclusive play space for all learners.

Murrayburn Primary School playroom before refurbishment
  • Murrayburn Primary School playroom after refurbishment

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