New Sensory Room a hit at Biggleswade special school

A new sensory room is allowing pupils at Biggleswade's Ivel Valley School to explore different environments and control their surroundings, all at the touch of a button.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th May 2018, 15:56 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 08:44 BST
Pupils using Ivel Valleys interactive sensory room equipmentPupils using Ivel Valleys interactive sensory room equipment
Pupils using Ivel Valleys interactive sensory room equipment

Ivel Valley School is an Area Special School for pupils aged three to 19 who have complex learning needs.

The new room has been kitted out with a range of interactive equipment providing visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation. This includes sensory screens, interactive floor mats and tiles, a bubble tube, fibreoptic lights, and LED colour-changing lights.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Head of school Audrey Webb said: “What’s brilliant is, it is instantly customisable, so we can tailor it to individual students and choose different displays and levels of stimulation. It might be useful or appropriate for one child to have a simple, calming and relaxing atmosphere, for example, while another may benefit from a stimulating game using fast reflexes.”

Most Popular
Sensory Room at Ivel Valley SchoolSensory Room at Ivel Valley School
Sensory Room at Ivel Valley School

Teacher Ruth Ellison added: “We have a Switch4 iPad room control which means the environment can be controlled by using a single switch, a tablet, or a colour-coded keyboard, giving access to everyone. This means pupils themselves, where appropriate, have the chance to choose and shape the colours, sounds and interactive elements around them.”

The room is proving a big hit with excited students.

“The only problem is they don’t want to leave,” said principal Joe Creswick.

Related topics:Biggleswade