Introduction
Causeway Sensory is thrilled to have been a key part of the design and installation of a brand-new Multi-Sensory Environment at Killard House School in Donaghadee. This project was undertaken to support the wide range of students at the school who benefit from specialised sensory environments to enhance their learning and communication.
Background
Killard House School provides education for pupils aged 3 to 19 years, with many students having complex additional learning needs. Senior Teacher for the Primary Department, Claire Kerr, recognized that the school required a sensory room that would serve both students with severe learning difficulties and those from the mainstream part of the school. Working closely with the school’s Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist, Claire undertook additional training and research to ensure that the Multi-Sensory Room would meet the diverse needs of their student population. The outcome was the creation of a hybrid model sensory room designed to promote both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as provide therapeutic spaces for a range of activities.
Challenges
Throughout the design and installation of the Multi-Sensory Environment at Killard House School, there were several important factors to consider to ensure the project was a success. These challenges required innovative thinking and a collaborative approach to meet the diverse needs of the students and staff alike.
The primary challenges included:
- Meeting Diverse Needs: The primary challenge was ensuring the sensory room catered to the unique needs of students with severe learning difficulties, while also providing benefits to mainstream students.
- Design and Equipment Selection: Identifying and integrating the most appropriate sensory equipment that could be used by all students required careful planning and expert input.
- Implementation within Curriculum: Another key challenge was integrating the sensory spaces into the school’s existing curriculum and ensuring they were used effectively by all classes.
Process
Site Assessment
Careful evaluation of potential locations to find an optimal space that would cause minimal disruption during installation.
Collaborative Planning
Continuous communication with staff to coordinate the installation process.
Custom Design
Crafting a sensory room tailored to the specific needs of the students, incorporating calming and stimulating sensory equipment.
Solution
To overcome these challenges, Causeway Sensory worked closely with the team at Killard House School to design a bespoke solution:
Customising the Space: The room was designed as a hybrid model that could serve multiple purposes, from calming sensory regulation to interactive learning experiences. Specialised equipment such as interactive panels and calming lighting were selected to create a versatile environment.
Collaboration with Specialists: Throughout the process, input from the Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist was invaluable. This collaborative approach ensured that the sensory room was tailored to meet the therapeutic and educational goals of the students.
Curriculum Integration: Teachers were provided with training and guidance on how to incorporate the sensory room into the students’ learning activities, ensuring it became an integral part of the school’s educational framework.
Results
Since the installation, the Multi-Sensory Room has been a resounding success at Killard House School. Claire Kerr shared how effective the room has been in achieving its goals: “The teachers, Speech Therapist, and Occupational Therapist who have used the room with students have absolutely loved it and have seen the children respond positively.”
One of the key outcomes has been the room’s role in promoting both verbal and non-verbal communication. Claire emphasized how the space has helped motivate non-verbal students to initiate communication, fostering deeper engagement between students and their learning partners. Additionally, the room has been instrumental in supporting intensive interaction approaches, allowing children to develop meaningful interactions with others.
Conclusion
The Multi-Sensory Environment at Killard House School is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, collaboration, and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of students. The success of this project demonstrates how sensory spaces can be used not only as therapeutic environments but also as essential tools in promoting communication and learning for students with complex needs.
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