New Sensory Area
Client: Ashfield Junior School, Bushey - Ashfield is a two form entry Voluntary Controlled Junior School, catering for children between the ages of seven and eleven.
Brief: We have previously worked with Ashfield Junior School to refurbish a number of their spaces, including the reception area, staffroom, washrooms, PPA room and IT suite so we were thrilled at the prospect of working with the school again. Our brief was to design and create a small, flexible sensory space for pupils with sensory challenges that reflected the school’s aim of creating a secure, stable and happy environment where learning is inspirational and that embodied the school’s motto of “Inspiring our children to dream big, be extraordinary and change the world.”
Challenge: The design required some thought as it was a small space in a very busy part of the school, near the staffroom and main entrance. The school wanted the area to be calm and quiet, a retreat for pupils with sensory challenges and a cosy one-to-one space for giving special attention to specific needs, with a small table to write and draw on.
Storage of the teaching aids and sensory playthings was to be included within the area plus seating for more than one student to sit as a group, if required.
Solution: We used felt on the walls and as a canopy to keep the area quiet inside, combined with curtain cut-outs to absorb the busy school noise from outside. Keeping the storage seating unit and table in white and using neutral colours on the walls, with just a splash of colour on the stools and storage boxes helped to keep the area welcoming and uncluttered, yet enchanting for the children.
Testimonial:
Carolyn Dalziel, Head teacher, Ashfield Junior School, Bushey
"Just a quick email to say thank you so much for doing such a great job with the sensory area -it's perfect -we love it.
Chairs are also lovely - my classrooms look like rainbows.And the acoustic pinboards make a huge difference in the office.
Success all round.Well done and thank you!"
Impact:The school were delighted with the new sensory area, as demonstrated by the testimonial. Our aim was to deliver a space that accommodated the different sensory needs of the children, making them feel safe, secure and inspired to achieve their best and we’re pleased to say we achieved this.
Whether you’re looking to refurbish an existing space in your school or fitting-out a new one, our consultancy, space planning, design and installation service will guide you through every step of the project. Email sales@foursquarefurniture.uk for a free initial consultation.