Schools Funding Support Guide
Acoustic Improvements for Schools
Improving the acoustic environment in classrooms, halls and learning spaces can make a significant difference to pupil concentration, communication and inclusion. This is particularly important for pupils with hearing impairments, auditory processing difficulties, autism or other additional learning needs.
If your school is considering acoustic improvements, there are several funding routes that may be available.
1. Local Authority SEND / Inclusion Funding
Many Local Authorities provide SEND Capital or Inclusion funding to help schools make physical adaptations that support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
This type of funding is often used for:
· Acoustic treatment in classrooms or halls
· Soundfield or hearing support environments
· Adaptations to improve speech clarity and reduce reverberation
Applications are usually submitted through the school’s SENCO or leadership team and typically require:
· Evidence of the pupil’s needs
· A description of how the current environment impacts learning
· A recommendation for improvements
· An outline quotation or cost estimate
2. School Capital Funding
Academies and maintained schools receive capital funding for building improvements, which can sometimes be used for projects that improve learning environments.
This may include:
· Devolved Formula Capital (DFC)
· Multi-Academy Trust capital improvement budgets
3. Charitable Grants
Some charities provide grants to support children with hearing or communication difficulties. These grants may be used for equipment or improvements that enhance learning environments.
Examples include:
· National Deaf Children’s Society – support, advice and occasional grant programmes for projects benefiting deaf children.
· Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired – grants supporting the education and welfare of hearing-impaired children.
· The Ewing Foundation – guidance and support for schools working with deaf pupils
How We Can Help….
To support schools exploring these options, we offer a Free Acoustic Check which includes:
· A brief on-site assessment of the room or space
· Identification of any acoustic issues affecting speech clarity
· Recommendations for improvements
· An outline proposal and budget estimate
This information can often be used to support funding applications or internal funding requests.
If you would like to arrange a Free Acoustic Check or discuss a particular space within your school, please feel free to get in touch.
We would be delighted to help Contact: joanne.mulloy@presentationspaces.co.uk
