Ivy House | Train Library | Shaw Education Trust

Ivy House School's Train Carriage Library: An Innovative Learning Space

Ivy House School in Derby, UK is taking learning to new heights with their latest addition - a repurposed train carriage that will serve as an immersive and engaging library space for students. This special school, which caters to pupils aged 2-19 with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and severe learning disabilities (SLD), is always looking for innovative ways to enhance the educational experience.

A Unique and Stimulating Environment

The train carriage library promises to be a unique and stimulating learning environment that will capture students' imaginations and inspire a love of reading. As Ian Armstrong, the school's headteacher, explained, "The train carriage library will provide a unique and stimulating space that will capture our students' imaginations and inspire them to develop a love of reading."

For many of the school's students, who have not had the opportunity to travel by train due to their special needs, the carriage will also provide a valuable cultural experience. It aligns perfectly with the school's mission to nurture each student's individuality while providing engaging learning opportunities.

A Commitment to Innovation and Inclusivity

The decision to repurpose a train carriage as a library space demonstrates Ivy House School's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in education. It provides a purposeful, functional space for learners to immerse themselves in reading while also promoting environmental responsibility through the reuse of materials.

The school's dedication to creating an exceptional educational experience is evident in its recent 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted, the UK's Office for Standards in Education. This rating reflects the school's exceptional quality of education, strong leadership, and dedicated staff, who work collaboratively with parents, carers, and other professionals to meet the unique needs of each student.

A Celebration of Individuality and Achievement

At Ivy House School, students are celebrated for their individuality, knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. The school takes pride in creating a happy, supportive, and purposeful atmosphere where pupils are nurtured, praised, and encouraged to enjoy learning and celebrate their own successes as well as those of their peers.

The train carriage library is expected to be ready for use by the start of the next academic year, and the school community is eagerly anticipating the positive impact this unique learning space will have on its students.

As Ian Armstrong stated, "We are excited to see the positive impact this unique learning space will have on our students. It aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture and celebrate the individuality and achievements of each student while providing them with engaging and innovative learning opportunities."

Press Coverage:

BBC NEWS: Converted train carriage to become Derby special school's library - BBC News

Derbyshire Times: Ivy House School Unveils Innovative Learning Space - A Train Carriage School Library (derbyshiretimes.co.uk)

Travel and Tour World: Derby’s new train carriage library inspires nations - Travel And Tour World

Derbyshire Live / Derby Telegraph: Train carriage is to become new library at a Derby school - Derbyshire Live (derbytelegraph.co.uk)