New school for youngsters with trauma finishes construction

A school for children who have lived with trauma has been completed, aiming to help “young people feel safe” and “re-engage with learning”.

The Seamab Care and Education school, Kinross, will provide a safe space for 25 youngsters aged five to 18.

Replacing an older building that was no longer fit for purpose, the £5.8 million school, the project was funded by donations, grants, and a number of benefactory companies who all chipped in.

Staff and pupils were first introduced to the new school in March, which was still incomplete at the time.

The new building has a multi-purpose gym hall, six trauma-informed classrooms, specialist rooms, a new kitchen, and quiet spaces for those who need some time alone.

The previous building, a large converted house, did not have a gym, assembly area or dining spaces.

Additionally, the decor was dark and ventilation was poor in the old building.

It is due to be demolished and the remaining space will be converted into an area for games and sport.

The school is hoped to serve its purpose for around 40 years, with more than 2,000 children expected to benefit from it.

Stuart Provan, Seamab’s chief executive, said: “Seeing the architect’s drawings become reality with spaces designed around how our children learn best, is incredibly moving. This building will help our young people feel safe, regulate, and re-engage with learning.

“It simply would not exist without an exceptionally generous community of supporters across Scotland and the UK. We are profoundly grateful.

“Operating a school without basic areas such as a dining hall, assembly space, library or gym made calm, focused learning very challenging. The new environment removes those barriers and enables calmer classrooms and better readiness to learn, with flexible spaces for whole-class, small-group and one-to-one support without stigma.

“The increased space will allow us to deliver a broader primary and secondary curriculum, while improving attendance, engagement, attainment and wellbeing.”

He added: “This school has been built by a community of donors, funders, volunteers, neighbours and partners, all united by the belief that children who have had a difficult start in life deserve the very best.

“Their generosity is literally built into these walls, and the impact will be felt for decades.

“Feedback from pupils and staff has been outstanding. One young person told us, ‘I feel like it’s the end of a chapter and the start of a new book.’

“Staff describe the new school as ‘a wonderful space’ where children can ‘heal, grow and learn to thrive’.”