Sensory rooms in school
Published on 04/08/2025 in Wellbeing & School Community
Sensory rooms in school
Sensory activities benefit all children, whether they have special needs or not. Creating a sensory room in your school is an excellent way to provide children with a sensory experience that will help regulate their emotions.
Consider your classes sensory needs when designing this space for him or her. Some children require more visual stimulation, such as optic lights, while others require a variety of experiences.
Sensory seekers enjoy climbing, jumping, and exercising their gross motor skills. They have plenty of energy to expend.
Believe it or not, people of all ages benefit from sensory spaces. Most people find that changing textures, fidget toys, or listening to loud music helps them self-regulate.
Why are sensory rooms important?
Sensory rooms in schools are still uncommon, particularly in mainstream schools, but they serve an important purpose for many children.
They offer a therapeutic setting for children with autism and other special educational needs.
Sensory equipment can be used to help children develop a variety of physical skills.
The sensory room can provide a relaxing environment for students who are experiencing emotional or behavioural issues.
Sensory rooms can help children learn to manage their emotions in a safe environment where they do not feel isolated or punished.
What to include in a sensory room
Pick the right flooring
When considering sensory room ideas, make sure the flooring is soft enough for your child. Chances are your kid will fall or crash several times, and the right flooring reduces injures. If you put this space somewhere with a concrete floor, like a basement, you want to make sure you have plenty of padding.
There are plenty of options.
Gel floor tiles are great and make the overall experience better. These are an area your child can sit, step on the tiles, or jump, watching the colours ooze and move together.
Sensory lighting
You want to include some type of lighting for your students to enjoy, but sensory lighting is not the same as regular lighting. Rather than simply illuminating the space, these provide visual sensory input.
The use of appropriate sensory lighting enhances the overall experience by creating a calming environment. These lights are captivating and help to prevent meltdowns. Avoid using bright fluorescent lights in classrooms because they overstimulate children.
Here are some sensory lighting options:
Lava lamps
Sensory light projector
Glowing bubble tubes lights
Add sensory seating
Make sure to include some special seating for your classes; it’s one of the top sensory room ideas. There are several kinds of sensory sating to consider, such as seats that provide compression.
Another option is a bean bag chair; these are big and durable enough that your students can jump into it and climb over it without it acting only as a seat.
Tactile media
Children need tactile sensory input, so include a low table with some storage containers to serve as sensory bins. You can rotate out the items whenever you want, but there are plenty of things to include for tactile experiences.
Here are some things that belong in sensory bins:
Soothing sounds/music
Some children on the spectrum like listening to repetitive sounds, while others prefer soft music. Whatever your students like, there are dozens of sensory equipment for creating a sense of calm and peace in the classroom.
For playing sounds and music, a regular CD player would do. However, there are white noise machines if this is more suited to your child. If your child does not want to hear loud noises coming from outside the school, noise-reduction headphones might help.
Sensory room toys
Children with autism take a while to wind down and play after a busy day.
Unlike other toys your students might have, sensory toys are designed to ease tension in children and increase focus and awareness. A weighted stuff animal is great for putting on a child’s lap while reading a class story, while a relaxing fidget toy like the tactile tangle relax makes for a quick, quiet hand activity.
Train your staff
One teacher cannot keep the sensory room running. You need peer support to provide special attention to each student’s senses. Therefore, train teachers to assist others in the sensory room.
To ensure your sensory rooms in school are perfect for your classrooms, follow these steps to help your students. Making a sensory room in your school is a great way to give your children a sensory experience to help them regulate their emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Sensory Rooms in Schools
What is a sensory room in a school?
A sensory room is a dedicated space designed to support sensory regulation through lighting, sound, textures, movement and calming equipment. It provides pupils with a safe environment to relax, refocus or release excess energy.
Who benefits from a sensory room?
Sensory rooms benefit all children, not just those with special educational needs. They are particularly helpful for pupils with:
Autism spectrum condition (ASC)
ADHD
Sensory processing difficulties
Emotional or behavioural challenges
Many neurotypical pupils also benefit from sensory spaces for self-regulation and wellbeing.
Are sensory rooms only for SEND pupils?
No. While sensory rooms are commonly used to support SEND pupils, they can also help any child who needs a calming or regulating environment. Sensory spaces promote inclusion and emotional wellbeing across the whole school.
How often should children use a sensory room?
Usage depends on individual needs. Some pupils may benefit from short, regular sessions, while others may use the room during times of emotional distress or sensory overload. Schools often create structured timetables or personalised support plans.
What equipment should a school sensory room include?
A well-balanced sensory room may include:
Soft or padded flooring
Sensory lighting (bubble tubes, projectors, lava lamps)
Sensory seating (bean bags, compression seating)
Tactile resources (sensory bins, fidget toys)
Sound equipment (soft music, white noise machines)
Equipment should be tailored to pupils’ sensory needs.
How can a sensory room help with behaviour?
Sensory rooms help pupils self-regulate in a positive way, reducing anxiety, emotional outbursts and sensory overload. They provide a supportive alternative to punitive behaviour strategies, allowing children to calm down safely.
Do teachers need training to use a sensory room?
Yes. Staff should receive basic training on how to use sensory equipment appropriately, understand sensory needs, and supervise pupils safely. Consistent approaches across staff ensure the room is used effectively and responsibly.
Can a sensory room be created in a small school?
Absolutely. Sensory rooms do not need to be large or expensive. Even a small, quiet space with carefully chosen sensory resources can have a positive impact when designed thoughtfully.
Are sensory rooms supported by education guidance?
While not mandatory, sensory rooms align with best practice for inclusive education, wellbeing, and SEND support. They complement strategies outlined in SEND and mental health guidance by supporting emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
How do I keep a sensory room safe?
Safety measures include:
Soft flooring and padded equipment
Clear supervision guidelines
Age-appropriate resources
Regular equipment checks
Establishing rules for use helps maintain a safe and calming environment.