Thornton Public School improved its already safe and inclusive environment with the opening of a sensory room on Monday.
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The room, built to assist children living with disabilities and additional needs, has elements at different levels for students who like to climb, tactile objects and furnishing for students who enjoy sensory play, bubble tubes to create a calming effect and build on students’ visual development, and lights that give a calming sensation to help with anxieties.
Assistant principal Petra Yager said the room was a permanent addition, with the school now looking for further development to the sensory playground.
“When designing the room, teachers took into account the complex and diverse needs of the students,” she said.
“It was designed to help students – who may have emotional issues, learning difficulties, developmental disabilities or sensory impairments – learn to interact with the world around them, in a safe environment that builds up their confidence and ability.
“It was designed to help students learn to interact with the world around them, in a safe environment that builds up their confidence and ability.
“It’s a comfortable space students can explore at their leisure.”
Local sensory artist Bliss Cavanagh designed the room to suit the school’s needs.
“We discovered Bliss when her work was exhibited at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery,” Ms Yager said.
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