William Leech C of E Primary School in Lynemouth has built a new sensory room for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in their early years provision.
This new provision follows the success of a previous sensory ‘safe space’ which older SEND pupils use during school hours. The sensory rooms are used in two different ways; to provide a safe place for children to calm and regulate their behaviour when they become overwhelmed, or as a reward space for children where they can develop their sensory needs.
This has benefitted the pupils from the school as it has “ increased engagement with activities within the suite and in the main classroom following time spent in the sensory room.” according to Head Teacher Amy Thompson.
She further commented:
“Children with SEND requirements can easily become dysregulated in classroom environments. Lights, sounds and too much activity can cause what we call ‘sensory overload’ which can result in children exhibiting behaviours which might be harmful to their wellbeing. Several children within our two-year old and nursery provisions have sensory needs due to SEND, some of which are quite profound, so we knew that we had to do something to ensure that there was a safe space in school for them to go to should they become distressed, angry or upset.”
Part-funded by the school and supported by the Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust’s Endowment Fund, the new early years sensory suite at the primary school has been fully resourced featuring blackout blinds and a blackout tent, sensory lighting and projections, weighted lap toys and sensory table top toys, as well as soft play equipment. This has provided children with resources which they may need to help them self-regulate and relax.
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