Experia is the UK’s leading designer and installer of wireless multi-sensory equipment, specialising in tailored sensory solutions for diverse needs. The company collaborates with councils, architects, schools, and planners to create exceptional sensory environments for a wide range of users.

Recently, Experia was selected to work on Polden Bower, a special school located in Bridgwater, Somerset, designed for 160 students with complex needs, including those with significant mobility difficulties. Serving children aged 4 to 16, the school plays a vital role in providing additional school places for students with special educational needs in the region.

Design Collaboration and the Vision for Sensory Spaces
To support the school’s commitment to providing inclusive and engaging learning environments, Experia was chosen to deliver a comprehensive suite of sensory solutions. In addition to designs from planners and architects, Polden Bower also involved contributions from pupils, parents, and teachers. The school features a range of facilities tailored to the specific needs of its students.

The Experia team worked closely with all key stakeholders to install several specialised sensory spaces, including an Immersive Space, a rebound therapy room, five safe spaces (two of which are sensory safe spaces), a soft play environment, a sensory room, and a warm water sensory pool. Additionally, the school includes a warm water pool for physiotherapy, a sports hall, a dining hall, and fully accessible classrooms equipped with the latest teaching technology. These spaces, along with the school’s external areas—such as a sensory garden, a multi-use games area, and an adventure playground—are designed to support both the physical and sensory needs of students, providing them with opportunities to relax, learn, and thrive.

The Immersive Reality Space: A Key Feature at Polden Bower
One of the standout features of Polden Bower is the Immersive Reality Space. Experia played a key role in creating this innovative space, which was specifically designed to provide an immersive experience for students. The room is divided, with two-thirds dedicated to the immersive area and the remaining third designed as a sensory room. This collaboration between Experia and the architects ensured the space was perfectly suited to its intended function.

Gareth, founder and owner of Experia, explained: “We were very fortunate that the room was purpose-built, but this required close collaboration with architects, the construction company, electricians, carpet fitters, and other trades to ensure the school received the perfect space.”

The immersive space is used for a wide range of activities, including teaching and learning, therapeutic intervention, and nurturing programs. According to Executive Headteacher Helen Farnell, the space has had a significant impact on communication and language skills, as well as enhancing pupil engagement in learning. It has also been used for memory activities to support students emotionally following the loss of a pupil at the school. She described the installation process and the service provided by Experia as “Excellent - First Class!” and highly recommended that anyone considering an immersive space speak openly with the team to ensure the design aligns with their vision.

Additional Features and Facilities at Polden Bower
Beyond the immersive space, Polden Bower offers a wide array of other sensory environments, each designed with its primary function in mind. These include the soft play space, which helps support the development of gross motor skills, and the warm water pool, providing opportunities for swimming and physiotherapy. The sensory safe spaces, designed to provide moments of relaxation and de-stressing, contribute significantly to the wellbeing of students.

Additionally, the school features a café that allows older students to develop life skills and engage with the local community, preparing them for the world of work. This holistic approach to education ensures that all students have access to a high-quality, modern learning environment.

A Collaborative Effort for Exceptional Outcomes
The construction of Polden Bower began in 2018 and was completed during the pandemic, overcoming numerous challenges such as a difficult site prone to flooding due to winter storms. Despite these obstacles, the school was delivered successfully to Somerset County Council, which developed the school as part of an initiative to increase Special Educational Needs (SEN) school provision throughout the district.

The team at Polden Bower is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for pupils, underpinned by their mantra: "Believe you can." This belief in every individual's potential is reflected in the design of the school, ensuring that students of all needs have access to the support, opportunities, and resources they deserve.

Contact Experia for Your Own Sensory Solutions
Experia stands at the forefront of sensory space design, committed to delivering tailored solutions for diverse needs. If you're interested in creating a sensory or immersive space, or if you’d like to learn more about the sensory environments Experia provides, please contact them on 0800 612 6077 or email sales@experia.co.uk. Alternatively, complete the contact form on the Experia website.