The idea
The project involves transforming a currently empty room next to the autism classrooms in our new school building into a Calm Room which will support children with autism by giving them a safe, quiet, and structured environment where they can regulate their emotions and engage in focused sensory experiences.
This section of our school, once fully equipped to appropriately support children with autism and other additional needs, will be available for use outside of school hours to community groups who work with children with autism or other additional needs.
A calm space is vital for autistic children to manage sensory overload, reduce anxiety, and prevent meltdowns by providing a secure, quiet, and predictable environment. Specialised sensory equipment including bubble tubes, wall panels, sequin boards, projectors, crash pads and infinity mirrors will be installed to promote relaxation, focus and sensory regulation, and help children to develop independent coping strategies.
What we'll deliver
- Create a Calm Room next to our Autism classrooms with sensory equipment to support emotional regulation
Why it's a great idea
Specialised facilities and equipment are vital to the wellbeing and development of children with autism and other additional needs. After several years in cramped prefabs, Harold’s Cross ETNS finally has the space to create a part of our school that can properly support the children with autism in our two special classes, as well as those in the wider community who can benefit from such facilities.
With the installation of a Calm Room, the area of our school which houses our autism classrooms will be appropriately equipped to fully support the development and wellbeing of children with autism.
Opening up this area of our school for use outside of school hours will extend the benefits of these specialised facilities to children with autism and other additional needs in the wider community, through community groups working in this area. The space can be used for therapy sessions, social skills development or simply as an appropriate, welcoming environment for play and interaction.
Steps to get it done
- "Sensory Den" will install the Calm Space equipment in the designated room next to our Autism classrooms.
