Creating the right environment for children with additional needs is essential for supporting both learning and wellbeing. In this project, we worked with the Chaucer Centre, part of Bedelsford School, to design and install two specialist spaces within a new building – a sensory room and a sensory integration room.
The centre supports children who are primarily autistic and those with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), so it was vital to create environments that provide the right balance of sensory stimulation, regulation and safe physical activity.
The Brief: Dual Spaces for Sensory Integration and Regulation
The Chaucer Centre required two distinct but complementary spaces:
A sensory integration room focused on movement, vestibular input and physical activity.
A sensory room designed for calming, engagement and self-regulation.
The goal was to create environments that could support pupils throughout the school day, providing essential sensory input as part of their daily routine while also offering flexibility for staff-led sessions and independent use.
Designing the Sensory Integration Room
The sensory integration room was centred around a large, high-spec swing frame system, forming the core of the space. This system was selected for its strength, versatility and safety, making it suitable for children of all ages.
The frame offers a wide range of uses, including:
- Traditional swing options
- Rope-style ladders for climbing
- Swinging hoops for coordination and strength
- Expandable configurations for varied physical challenges
As the most robust swing frame option available in the UK, it is designed to safely accommodate dynamic forces, with swinging weight reaching up to four times a child’s body weight. This ensures both durability and safety while delivering essential vestibular feedback, which is crucial for sensory development.
Soft Play and Physical Development Features
To complement the swing system, a wide range of soft play and physical activity equipment was installed to create a challenging and engaging environment.
These included:
- Steps, slide and podium set
- Balance beam
- Mangle (deep pressure input)
- Trampette
Together, these features create a multi-functional obstacle-style environment that supports movement, coordination and sensory regulation. The variety of equipment allows children to engage in activities that provide both regulatory and proprioceptive input, helping them to better manage their sensory needs.
Creating the Sensory Room Environment
Alongside the integration space, a dedicated sensory room was designed to provide a calmer, more controlled environment where children can regulate and relax.
This room incorporated a range of interactive and immersive features, including:
- Mood Lighting for calming visual effects.
- Borealis Tube for gentle sensory stimulation.
- Infinity Panel for immersive visual experiences.
To enhance interactivity, the room includes a Cube controller, Arc switch and sound-responsive features. These elements allow children to take control of their environment, encouraging independence and engagement.
A key feature of the room is the infinity den, providing a safe and enclosed space where pupils can retreat, self-regulate and relax which is an increasingly popular and effective solution for sensory regulation.
The addition of a media projector allows staff to theme the room, supporting both relaxation and learning activities, making the space highly flexible for different uses.
Installation and Bespoke Safety Design
Our engineers worked closely with the on-site contractor to deliver the installation efficiently following practical completion of the building.
All floor and wall padding was bespoke designed and manufactured, ensuring a fully safe environment for free play. A calming blue colour scheme was selected to create a soothing atmosphere across both rooms.
One of the key challenges was the building itself, which featured large radiators and exposed pipework along the walls. To address this, all radiators and pipework were:
- Fully boxed in.
- Covered with protective padding.
- Designed with ventilation to maintain safe heat levels.
- Fitted with access panels for maintenance and temperature control.
This ensured that every area of both rooms remained safe and functional, without compromising the integrity of the building systems.
The Result: Supporting Daily Sensory Needs
The completed sensory and integration rooms now provide the Chaucer Centre with essential resources to support pupils throughout their school day.
These spaces enable children to access vital sensory input, engage in both physical and interactive play, develop coordination and confidence, and regulate their emotions within a safe and supportive environment. By combining active sensory integration with calming sensory experiences, the centre now benefits from a well-rounded solution that supports both development and overall wellbeing.
We were delighted to deliver this project for the Chaucer Centre at Bedelsford School. The combination of sensory integration and calming sensory spaces provides a comprehensive solution that supports the needs of its pupils both physically and emotionally.
We hope these spaces will continue to make a positive impact for many years to come, helping children to engage, regulate and thrive in their learning environment.
Looking to Create a Sensory Room or Integration Space?
Whether you’re planning a school sensory room, sensory integration space or multi-room solution, a well-designed environment can have a lasting impact on pupil development and wellbeing.
