Pupils at Beech Grove Primary School's specialist autism base are seeing the benefits of revamped learning, sensory and outdoor spaces following a £25,383 investment from Esh Construction, delivered in partnership with Thirteen Group.

The AS2 Base, which supports eight children in Years 3 to 6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has been upgraded to create a more inclusive, supportive setting for specialist teaching. Improvements include a new all‑weather canopy, privacy screening, activity trail markings, fitted window blinds, enhanced sensory resources and additional iPads to aid personalised learning.

John Dixon, Headteacher at Beech Grove Primary School, said the impact on pupils has been immediate. "They are much more confident and have developed stronger social skills through play, with improvements in sharing, respect, tolerance and kindness, as well as their interactions with adults. It has played an important role in enhancing their progress and learning, and we are already seeing the positive difference it is making.

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"We can't thank Esh Construction and Thirteen Group enough. They have been absolutely fantastic for the school and wider community, and the sizeable donation has made a huge difference to our autistic resource base. The transformed space has allowed us to bring elements of outdoor learning indoors, creating a warm, welcoming and safer environment where children can continue to play, learn and explore."

The AS2 Base provides tailored learning programmes, a dedicated quiet area, and chances for children to integrate with wider school activities. The project supports the school's ambition to further enhance provision for neurodiverse pupils, strengthening learning, emotional regulation, independence and wellbeing.

The funding is part of Esh Construction's social value commitments linked to ongoing regeneration and housing work in Middlesbrough, carried out with Thirteen Group. Both organisations have a long‑standing relationship with the school and have collaborated on initiatives across the Grove Hill community.

Aley Wright, Social Value Coordinator at Esh Construction, said: "At Esh, we are committed to creating positive, lasting change in the communities where we work and supporting opportunities that make a genuine difference to local people.

"When we learned about the ambitions Beech Grove Primary School had for its AS2 Base, it was clear the proposed improvements would have a meaningful impact on both pupils and staff. The new facilities provide environments that support learning, development and wellbeing, ensuring children have access to the resources they need to thrive."

A bespoke canopy will enable year‑round outdoor learning and play, while new screening offers a calmer, more private setting. Activity trail markings promote physical activity and engagement, and sensory enhancements alongside modern technology provide tools tailored to individual needs.