Jigsaw Primary School

Client 

Jigsaw Primary School

Project Background 

Jigsaw required a new nursery building to replace its existing accommodation, which consisted of two ageing portable buildings that no longer met the regulations required or the needs of the children using the facility. 

The existing nursery was no longer fit for purpose, with limited space restricting the number of children it could accommodate and making it difficult to provide the facilities, resources and environment needed to support their development. 

To address these challenges, Jigsaw worked with Phoenix Building Systems to develop a bespoke modular building designed around the specific needs of the nursery, its staff and the children it supports, both during term time and throughout the summer holidays. 

The new building was designed to maximise the available space on a relatively tight site, providing a modern, welcoming and practical environment while maintaining safe movement around the site. 

Challenges with the Existing Building 

The condition and limitations of the existing nursery accommodation presented several challenges: 

Two ageing portable buildings that were no longer fit for purpose 

Existing facilities that did not meet the required regulations 

Limited floor space restricting the number of children the nursery could accommodate 

Insufficient dedicated space for staff and storage of resources 

A need to better support the developmental needs of children throughout the year 

A relatively tight site requiring careful planning of the building layout and external space 

The need to deliver the new facility within the six-week summer holiday window to minimise disruption 

The replacement needed to provide significantly more usable space, a carefully considered internal layout and an environment that was safe, accessible and welcoming for children, staff and parents. 

Options Considered 

Retaining the Existing Accommodation 

Continuing to use the existing portable buildings would have left Jigsaw reliant on accommodation that no longer met its requirements. The limited floor space and outdated facilities would continue to restrict capacity, storage, staff provision and the overall experience for children and families. 

Given the extent of the limitations, a fundamentally different approach was required to provide a suitable long-term solution. 

Full Modular Replacement 

A bespoke modular replacement offered the opportunity to create a purpose-designed nursery building that addressed Jigsaw’s operational requirements from the outset. 

Working closely with Phoenix Building Systems, Jigsaw was able to specify the rooms, facilities and spaces needed to support the children, staff and resources, with the internal layout tailored to the needs of the nursery. 

The modular approach also offered significant advantages in terms of construction quality and programme certainty. With the building manufactured in a controlled factory environment, progress was less affected by weather conditions, allowing the project to work towards the critical six-week summer holiday installation window. 

Decision and Outcome 

Jigsaw selected a bespoke modular replacement as the preferred solution, providing a completely transformed nursery environment. The new building delivered: 

Increased floor space, enabling the nursery to accommodate a higher number of children 

A modern facility designed to meet the required regulations and operational needs 

A dedicated staff room, improving facilities for the nursery team 

Additional storage space for resources and equipment 

A layout designed around the developmental needs of the children 

A more open, airy and welcoming environment for children, staff and parents 

A bespoke design that maximised the available space on a constrained site 

A construction and installation programme planned around the six-week summer holiday period 

The new facility provides the flexibility and space required to support children both during term time and throughout the summer holidays, while creating a more practical working environment for staff. 

Supplier Selection 

Phoenix Building Systems were appointed to deliver the project, working collaboratively with Jigsaw throughout the design and delivery process. 

A key factor in the project was Phoenix Building Systems’ ability to provide a bespoke solution rather than a standard building. Through regular site visits and ongoing discussions, the team listened to Jigsaw’s requirements and worked closely with them to ensure the design addressed the practical needs of the nursery. 

Jigsaw highlighted several positive aspects of the working relationship: 

A responsive and approachable project team 

Regular site visits and close collaboration throughout the project 

A willingness to listen to requirements and accommodate specific needs 

A bespoke design process that ensured the building worked for the nursery 

The benefits of off-site manufacture within a controlled environment 

A programme designed to deliver the building within the limited summer holiday window 

This collaborative approach helped ensure that the finished building reflected Jigsaw’s priorities, with the space, layout and facilities carefully considered around the needs of the children and staff who would use it. 

Final Result 

The new modular nursery building has transformed Jigsaw’s facilities, replacing two outdated portable buildings with a modern, spacious and welcoming environment designed around the needs of children, staff and families. 

The additional floor space has enabled Jigsaw to increase its capacity, while the dedicated staff room, improved storage and carefully planned layout provide a more practical environment for the nursery team. The building also offers a more open and inviting atmosphere, with spaces designed to support children’s development and everyday activities. 

Feedback from parents has been extremely positive, with the finished building described as a complete transformation. The clean, modern interior, new resources and improved facilities have created an environment that feels fresh, friendly and welcoming. 

Jigsaw expressed a high level of satisfaction with the finished building, praising the collaborative approach taken by Phoenix Building Systems and the ability to deliver a bespoke solution that met the nursery’s specific requirements. 

The project has also been described by those involved as something to be proud of, with the new facility recognised as a valuable asset to the local village and its families. 

By choosing a bespoke modular building, Jigsaw has secured a modern nursery environment that provides increased capacity, improved facilities and a more supportive setting for children’s development. The project demonstrates how modular construction can deliver a high-quality, purpose-designed educational facility within a challenging site and a tightly defined installation programme.