Across the UK, the education sector is grappling with an unprecedented challenge: a sharp rise in SEND demand colliding with a severe lack of physical capacity. For Multi-Academy Trusts and Local Authorities, this capacity deficit has created a financial flashpoint as budgets bleed out into expensive, out-of-area placements. However, compliant lease funding for modular buildings, is offering estate directors a rapid, CapEx-free route to expanding SEND provision.

The Estate Barrier and the Inclusion Solution

The Government’s recent SEND reform consultation places a heavy emphasis on mainstream inclusion, establishing an ambition for schools to set up dedicated “Inclusion Bases”. Aside from financial constraints, the barrier to this vision is often the estate itself. Existing buildings are bursting at the seams, and traditional expansion projects take two to three years to deliver; time that vulnerable students do not have.

In response, TG Escapes, in partnership with leading SEND experts Haverstock Architects and The Blue Iris Partnership, has developed the Inclusive Learning Hub: purpose-built, permanent specialist facilities available in 16, 32, and 64-place models. Designed to DfE Building Bulletin requirements, they feature dedicated therapy rooms, sensory spaces, hygiene rooms, and de-escalation zones. Crucially, biophilic design utilises natural materials and abundant light to lower cortisol levels, improving behaviour and educational outcomes.

The Financial Imperative: Invest to Save

By building local capacity, Trusts can support students within their communities and save LAs the unsustainable costs of out-of-area placements which a recent study by Kent County Council revealed can cost up to £142,000 per pupil, per annum.

In stark contrast, the capital cost of building high-specification specialist provision is remarkably efficient. A 64-place setting costs approximately £65,600 per student place to build, while a 16-place setting costs around £90,600 per place. The ROI of retaining these pupils within the local system is undeniable. But what if a Trust or LA lacks the upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) to build?

The Leasing Option: Expanding Without CapEx

The procurement landscape has fundamentally shifted. Under the IFRS16 Maintained Schools Secretary of State Finance Lease Class Consent 2024, trusts and schools have the freedom to procure modular buildings via leasing without large upfront capital.

Working with public sector funding partners, TG Escapes offers a fully funded leasing solution that allows cash-strapped Trusts to bypass the wait for capital grants. Instead, the cost of the new building is spread predictably over the term of the lease, moving it to the OpEx budget.

These illustrative leasing costs over a 10-year term (excluding VAT), clarify the financial advantage:

  • 16-Place Hub (£1.4m Design & Build): ~£11,175 annual cost per student.
  • 32-Place Hub (£2.4m Design & Build): ~£10,090 annual cost per student.
  • 64-Place Hub (£4.2m Design & Build): ~£8,831 annual cost per student.

LAs and MATs can then collaborate to redirect a fraction of saved out-of-area costs to cover these lease repayments. Both parties are left financially better off, and the Trust retains a high-quality asset with a 50-year structural lifespan.

Speed, Sustainability, and Mitigating Delays

Financing a building is only half the battle; speed of delivery is the other. Thanks to Modern Methods of Construction and off-site manufacturing, these hubs can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a traditional build. A 16-place hub can be onsite and operational in approximately 24 weeks, and a 64-place hub in around 50 weeks. Furthermore, this modular approach drastically minimises disruption to the school day, avoiding noise, dust, and heavy plant traffic that can unsettle neurodiverse students.

The buildings are net-zero in operation, featuring Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV as standard, insulating schools against volatile energy markets. By offering pre-planning packs and strategic designs tailored for Permitted Development where applicable, the pathway to delivery is streamlined.

For estate directors and MAT leaders, leasing modular Inclusion Bases is a strategically smart and financially prudent way to future-proof the estate and rapidly expand SEND provision.

TG Escapes predominantly focus on the education sector and are members of Construction Line Platinum, STA Gold and Site Safe. Customers rate them 4.9 out 5 based on 200 reviews and recent awards include Education Estates Modular Contractor of the Year 2025.

For more information call 0800 917 7726,
email info@tgescapes.co.uk or visit
Source: https://tgescapes.co.uk/strategic-expansion-for-send-a-fully-funded-solution