SEN School Fire and Security Systems at New Heart Learning in Whittlesey
Creating a Safe & Supportive Environment
A Fresh Start for a Special School
New Heart Learning is a specialist school in Whittlesey that supports children and young people with additional educational, social, and emotional needs. As part of the school’s move into a new purpose-built facility, we delivered a complete SEN School Fire and Security Systems solution by enhancing the existing fire alarm and access control systems and installing a new intruder alarm. The result is a safe, secure, and welcoming environment that supports both safeguarding and student wellbeing.
The school provides a nurturing and highly structured environment where every student is encouraged to build confidence, develop independence, and reach their full potential. Through a combination of tailored teaching, therapeutic support, and a strong focus on wellbeing, New Heart Learning creates a setting where students feel understood, supported, and able to thrive both academically and personally.
As part of its commitment to providing the very best environment for its students and staff, the school moved into a brand-new purpose-built facility designed specifically to meet the needs of SEN education. While the building already had a fire alarm system and access control installed as part of the original construction, these systems needed to be refined and adapted to suit the school’s operational and safeguarding requirements.
We were brought in to enhance the existing fire alarm and access control systems, and to install a brand-new intruder alarm system, ensuring that all three systems worked seamlessly together to provide a safe, secure, and welcoming environment from the moment the school opened its doors.
Understanding What Really Matters
In a specialist setting like this, safety systems need to do more than just function, they need to feel right for the environment.
The school needed a secure setting without feeling restrictive, systems that wouldn’t overwhelm or distress students, simple and intuitive controls for staff, and full confidence that everything met the required standards.
Our approach focused on adapting and improving what was already there, while introducing new elements where needed, all with the aim of creating a calm and secure environment.
Thoughtfully Designed Solutions
Fire Alarm System – Enhanced for Real-World Use
The existing fire alarm system provided a solid foundation, but it required adjustment to better suit the needs of the school.
We reviewed and refined device locations, alarm settings, and system configuration to improve reliability and reduce the risk of false alarms. Sound levels and tones were carefully considered to ensure they remained effective without causing unnecessary distress to students. Visual alert devices were checked and integrated where needed to support accessibility.
The system was also tested and configured to ensure full integration with door release functions, supporting safe evacuation procedures.
Intruder Alarm – A New Layer of Protection
A completely new intruder alarm system was installed to provide robust security for the site outside of school hours.
The system covers all key access points and internal areas, offering reliable detection and peace of mind. It operates discreetly during the day, ensuring it does not interfere with the learning environment, while providing full protection when the building is unoccupied.
Remote monitoring capability was included, giving the school added reassurance at all times.
Access Control – Refined and Optimised
The access control system was already in place, but required adjustments to better support safeguarding and daily operation.
We reconfigured access permissions, improved door control functionality, and ensured that staff could move easily throughout the building while maintaining appropriate restrictions in sensitive areas. The main entrance setup was refined to support safe and efficient visitor management.
Integration with the fire alarm system was also verified, ensuring doors respond correctly in emergency situations.
Working Together to Get It Right
Working within a newly built school meant coordinating closely with the client and other contractors to refine systems that were already installed.
This included reviewing existing infrastructure, making targeted improvements without unnecessary disruption, integrating the new intruder alarm system with existing services, carrying out full testing and commissioning, and providing clear, practical training for staff.
The result was a set of systems that feel cohesive, reliable, and easy to manage.
The Result: Safe, Calm, and Ready to Learn
The upgraded and newly installed systems now work together to support the school’s environment in a meaningful way.
Students benefit from a space that feels safe without being overwhelming. Staff have confidence in systems that are simple and dependable. The school meets all required safety and security standards, and the overall setup is flexible enough to adapt as the school grows.
Final Thoughts
Your safety, assured.
Expert Security, Tailored to Your Needs
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