This term: Sensory rooms


A sensory room can provide a safe space for those who need it – Nuala Calvi looks at the benefits for all children, and why it doesn’t have to cost the Earth


What is it?


A sensory room is a space in which sensory input can be tailored to match an individual child’s needs, helping them to self-regulate and be better prepared for learning and playing with others. Schools are increasingly recognising the benefits of sensory rooms not just for children with special educational needs (SEN) but the whole school community. Whether pupils are dealing with anxiety, depression, bereavement, bullying, family problems, exam stress or other issues, all are likely to make use of a sensory room at some point. Providing a sensory space promotes a positive and supportive culture around mental health and wellbeing.


32 AUTUMN 2023 pta.co.uk KNOW


DID YOU


Same space, different needs


A sensory room can reduce sensory overload for children who find the school environment overwhelming, but it can also


provide increased sensory input for students who crave stimulation to help them regulate. For this reason, the room should be used differently with each child, rather than every piece of equipment being brought out or switched on at once. It’s important to talk to your school’s SENCO to find out what the needs of the children in your school are and to make sure that staff are trained in how to use the room effectively. Research shows the most important element in a sensory room is the person facilitating the session.


TOP TEN ITEMS


What to buy You don’t need expensive equipment – sensory rooms can be created on a budget. Typical items may include:


visual focal point. Or consider a fish tank, lava lamp or jellyfish lamp


useful way of changing the theme or feel of a room quickly


useful punchbag!


1 2 3


occupational therapy programmes and to provide proprioceptive (body awareness) input. Other ideas include stepping stones, a balance board or a trampette


4 5


Fibre optic spray – lay it on the floor or on a bean bag for soothing visual and tactile stimulation


Therapy ball – these can be helpful for fidgety kids, for use in


Bean bag – they cocoon and provide tactile stimulation. Also a


Projector – to project colours and patterns across the room. This is a


Bubble tube – for visual sensory stimulation and as a calming


Stereo or MP3 player with headphones – to play calming sounds, music or guided meditation


6 7


Weighted blankets – these provide pressure therapy, reducing stress and anxiety


8 9


Sensory activities and toys – examples include sand trays,


sensory boxes filled with rice, fidget spinners, push poppers, putty, slime, sensory mats, texture boards, vibrating cushions and soft toys


10


Aromatherapy diffuser – to bring another sensory


dimension to the room.


Rocking chair – sensory therapy rockers made from covered foam


are a safe way to provide motion- based stimulation and allow soothing, repetitive movement


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52