The UK government’s recent announcement of £740 million in funding to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools has been welcomed as a significant step forward. This funding, part of a larger £6.7 billion education budget, aims to increase accessibility in school buildings and create a more inclusive learning environment.

Beyond physical adaptations such as accessible bathrooms and handrails, this investment opens doors to innovative solutions like sensory rooms and immersive, interactive environments, which are increasingly recognised for their transformative benefits in supporting SEND pupils.

Why Sensory Rooms Matter in Mainstream Education
Sensory rooms provide a safe and nurturing environment for students to explore, self-regulate, and thrive. They help address sensory processing challenges and create calming spaces for students to de-escalate during stressful moments. At Experia, they specialise in designing multisensory environments that not only support the unique needs of each student but also incorporate cutting-edge technologies like immersive reality solutions.

Here are just some of the benefits sensory rooms bring to schools:
• Improved focus and engagement: A dedicated sensory space enables students to recalibrate, helping them re-engage with lessons more effectively.
• Enhanced emotional regulation: These spaces support students in managing their emotions, contributing to a more harmonious school environment.
• Inclusivity for all abilities: With features like interactive lighting and accessible equipment, sensory rooms provide support tailored to a wide range of needs.

How Experia Goes Further
Unlike many providers, Experia manufacture their equipment in the UK, which allows us to create bespoke solutions perfectly tailored to your space and requirements. Additionally, their immersive reality solutions take sensory rooms to the next level, offering interactive, adaptable environments that enhance engagement and learning experiences.

Experia's expertise spans a variety of environments, including schools, hospitals, and care settings. For instance, at Polden Bower School in Somerset, they installed a range of innovative sensory solutions, including an immersive space, a sensory room, and a soft play area. These environments were carefully designed to support the school’s 160 students with complex needs.

Helen Farnell, Executive Headteacher at Polden Bower, described Experia's service as “First Class!” and highlighted the collaborative approach they take: “We talked openly to the team at Experia about the use of the space and the experiences we wanted to create. They actively listened and worked with us to create the best.”

A Bright Future for SEND Support
As part of this funding boost, schools now have greater opportunities to implement transformative solutions for their SEND pupils. At Experia, they are committed to helping schools make the most of this moment by offering tailored sensory and immersive solutions that empower students to reach their potential.

If you’re interested in learning how a bespoke sensory environment could benefit your school, why not reach out to the team? Experia would be delighted to discuss how they can help create a space that truly supports your students’ needs.
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Discover More
• Explore the benefits of sensory spaces
• Learn more about Experia's work with Polden Bower
• Book a free discovery call with one of Experia's specialists
• BBC News Article (Source)