Designing and implementing a sensory room in a school is an impactful way to create an inclusive learning and support environment. For pupils with additional needs, having a space for regulation, sensory exploration and focus can make a huge difference. But when it comes to planning a sensory environment, you may be wondering: what exactly should go into a sensory room? Well - no two sensory rooms will look exactly the same. They’re always tailored to the needs of your pupils. However, there are key features and types of sensory equipment that most schools will want to consider including to ensure the space is both practical and effective. Read on to find out more...
Why Sensory Rooms are Becoming Essential in Schools
Schools and educational settings across the UK are under growing pressure to provide specialist environments and support for pupils with additional needs. From supporting EHCP requirements to helping children regulate and re-engage with learning, sensory rooms have quickly gone from a ‘nice-to-have’ to an essential resource.
Reduce anxiety and overstimulation
Help pupils improve focus and concentration
Provide calming or stimulating experiences as required
Support positive behaviour and transitions
Ofsted has recently introduced a new “inclusion” evaluation area, designed to help break down barriers to learning and wellbeing. Inspectors will now evaluate whether schools are providing high-quality support for all learners, particularly those with SEND/additional needs, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those known to children’s social care.
While every school will take its own approach, many are recognising the value of dedicated sensory spaces as part of their inclusion strategy. A modular sensory room provides:
A safe, calming environment for pupils who need time away from the classroom to self-regulate before re-engaging with learning.
Specialist equipment that can be tailored to a wide range of sensory needs, supporting both individual interventions and group work.
A visible investment in inclusive provision, showing inspectors, parents, and the wider school community that the school is proactively addressing diverse educational, social and emotional needs.
With Ofsted placing a sharper focus on inclusivity, schools that invest in sensory provision are not only supporting their learners but also strengthening their SEND provision as a whole. By offering a sensory space that supports wellbeing, reduces stress, and helps pupils to overcome barriers, sensory rooms can be a powerful asset in demonstrating inclusive practice at your educational setting.
When designing a sensory room for a school, the goal is to create a space that meets the diverse needs of students, whether they require calming, stimulation, or a safe place to reset. To achieve this, here are the key elements that school sensory rooms should ideally include:
Lighting is at the heart of almost every sensory room. Interactive light tubes, fibre optics, and LED panels create visual interest, while projectors can transform the whole atmosphere of a space. Calming colour changes or stimulating sequences can be tailored to the needs of individual pupils.
Technology such as touch-responsive panels, switches, and projection systems engage pupils in active learning through play. These tools allow children to explore cause-and-effect in a safe, enjoyable way, and can be adapted for different ability levels.
Not every sensory input comes from sight or sound. Tactile panels, textured walls, and interactive boards encourage exploration through touch, helping pupils build confidence and develop fine motor skills.
A sensory room should offer safe, comfortable spaces for pupils to relax and regulate. Bean bags, crash mats, and cushioned seating create a calming environment where children can retreat and reset.
Breakout corners or partitioned areas can help pupils who need a quiet, low-stimulation environment. These zones are particularly valuable for children who become overwhelmed and need time to self-regulate before returning to the classroom.
Bonus: noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders can reduce sensory overload and give children control over their environment. Make sure to place some in your sensory environment for children to use to really maximise the accessibility of your space!
While every school sensory room should include a mix of calming, stimulating, and movement-based features, no two spaces will look exactly the same. Each school has different student needs, which is why choosing the right equipment can sometimes feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. Our team will guide you through the process of selecting the right equipment for your sensory room, ensuring the space is practical, safe, and tailored to your students. From recommending versatile core items to helping you design adaptable zones, we’ll make sure your investment creates a room that truly enhances wellbeing and learning. With the right advice and planning, your school can create a sensory room that becomes a valued, everyday resource for both students and staff.
When designing a sensory room, space is often the first challenge. Many schools don’t have an empty classroom to convert. That’s why modular sensory rooms are becoming so popular: they create a ready-to-use, purpose-built environment without the need to sacrifice existing teaching or support space.
Cabins for Schools works in partnership with Sensory Technology to design, manufacture and install fully equipped bespoke modular sensory rooms. This means schools can not only secure a building that perfectly fits their site, but also install specialist sensory equipment that is selected specifically for their individual pupils’ needs.
Find out more about our bespoke modular sensory rooms
Budget is the other major hurdle for schools. The good news is that more funding routes are opening up! From working with PTAs to applying for grants through our partnership with FundEd, there are practical ways to make a sensory room achievable without placing the strain on core budgets.
When you work with us on a new modular sensory room project, we’ll connect you with FundEd so you can identify relevant grants with their grants database, access fundraising advice tailored to your educational setting, get templates and bid support to make the process less daunting, and involve your PTA or wider community in fundraising efforts via FundEd’s Funding Wall platform.
The cost of a custom modular sensory room will vary depending on size, equipment choices, and building specifications. All of our sensory rooms at Cabins for Schools are completely bespoke and made-to-measure, giving schools the ability to create a sensory environment fully tailored to their own setting and pupils.
Do we need planning permission for a modular sensory room?
In many cases, no - modular buildings often fall under permitted development. If you're thinking about investing in a permanent building, this will be subject to building control. Our team can advise on planning specifics for your school site. We would recommend booking a video call with one of our education building experts to discuss your requirements.
Can sensory rooms be tailored for different needs?
Yes. Every sensory room we design and manufacture is bespoke. Equipment can be chosen to meet your pupils’ specific sensory profiles, whether they need calming, stimulation, or a mix of both. This sensory equipment is provided by our specialist partners at Sensory Technology.
A well-designed school sensory room should provide a safe, calming, and engaging environment tailored to students’ diverse needs. At its core, it should include calming features such as soft lighting, Stimulating tools like tactile walls, Movement-based equipment such as balance boards, and Adaptable zones for quiet retreat as well as interactive play.
Ultimately, the best sensory rooms balance calm and stimulation, giving children the choice to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve learning readiness. By investing in the right equipment and design, schools can create an inclusive space that supports both emotional wellbeing and educational success. You’ll be giving children not just a safe space, but an environment where they can truly thrive.
Book a free consultation meeting with one of our friendly education building experts today to explore the possibilities for your educational setting.