For many years now we have visualized an inclusive sensory room in St. Joseph’s Mardyke for all children in the school. After approval from the board of management and a collective team effort, a sensory room was created during the summer using one of the learning support rooms downstairs.

We formed a target group and considered the auditory environment, lighting, spatial sequencing, escape spaces/ calm quiet corners, equipment and storage.

With these ideas in mind, we hired ‘Adams Sensory zones’ a Dublin-based company to plan and design the room with us. The main purpose of this sensory room or quiet space is that all children can use it to retreat when feeling overstimulated. It also provides opportunities for engagement in prevention and crisis de-escalation strategies.

It is a welcome addition to our wonderful school and it is something that will be well utilised by students and even staff!! 

– Ms Kirwan