North East education specialist announces six-figure expansion to Gateshead hub

A North East education and training specialist has launched its second site in Gateshead following the latest letting by property consultancy @retail.

Toucan Education, which already has operations in Newcastle and Ryton, has taken on new premises at Blaydon Rugby Club to meet the growing demand for its services, thanks to a 10-year letting which was brokered by @retail.

The rugby club’s former 5,250 sq. ft. gym on Hexham Road in Swalwell has been transformed to enable Toucan to deliver its ‘Alternative Provision’-branded services to more children across the region, who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

These highly specialist services are designed to meet the learning needs of individual children, complimenting existing education provision with support and documents to reassure schools that the correct procedures are in place.

Toucan has made a significant six-figure investment in the site in the months that have followed the signing of the deal back in June. Newcastle based shopfitter Barnes Thompson successfully completed the project over a period of eight weeks.

The move has seen an extensive property fit-out completed that includes the installation of classrooms, assessment rooms, a bouldering room, special movement rooms, which are currently in high demand, and dedicated spaces for art and home economics among other activities.

Toucan has made the investment in additional space to meet demand and accommodate extra learning and development resources. Currently employing 35 staff across all sites, the recruitment of additional teaching and support staff is underway as the business continues to expand and develop its offer.

The new site’s easy access via the A1, good outdoor play space and close proximity to the Derwent Walk Country Park with its mix of woodlands, meadows and river walks, were also appealing, said Philippa Vince, founder and CEO at Toucan Education.

She added: “Every student is an individual and the dynamics of helping them change daily. We have invested in state-of-the-art facilities to meet their needs, while creating new jobs and opportunities for local people as we continue to work and support young people.

“With specific sector expertise and experience, @retail has been instrumental in supporting our ambitions and finding the right location as the next phase of our expansion and vision for the business unfolds.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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