A New Sensory Room at NCS!

A bespoke SI (sensory integration) room is now open at Northern Counties School. Designed by our Advanced Sensory Integration Lead and installed by Rhino Sensory UK.

Intended to provide highly specialized assessment and intervention of student’s sensory processing needs, the space can be used for other therapeutic inputs as well. For example, the SI Room can also be used for sessions to develop communication, motor function, social skills, transitions and much more.

The SI room offers a wide range of specific sensory based equipment such as:

• A swing with an array of attachments
• Climbing wall with crash mats
• Soft play pieces with slide, platforms, tunnel, and steps
• Sunken trampoline
• A Ball Pit
• Squeeze machine
• Dark den
• Whizzy dizzy
• Therapy balls and seating
• LED light stimulation
• Soft padding to the walls and floor
• Variety of balance equipment

This equipment ensures a sensory rich environment for students to have the opportunity to gain vestibular (movement), proprioceptive (deep pressure), tactile (touch), visual and auditory (sound) feedback to satisfy their senses.

The SI room is also designed to facilitate Ayre’s Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy, which is a more intensive route of assessment and intervention for complex sensory needs. ASI therapy focuses on treating the child using controlled sensory input, at the “just right” level of challenge to promote a child’s adaptive response to sensory stimuli throughout their daily life.

Our students absolutely love it. The favourites so far are the ball pit, the swings and the climbing wall.

See the room in action in the photos below:

Northern Counties also has a new Swing Room!

Students loved the swings in the SI Room that much, that a dedicated room has been made with a swing with different attachments. Like the SI room, it aids in the student’s sensory processing needs, as well as their personal enjoyment. Attachments include a hammock, a sling, and a pod which can be filled with balls.

Benefits of using sensory swings include;

• Swings challenge core strength, balance, righting reactions, and motor skills in different ways.
• 15 minutes of swinging can have effects on the brain for up to 6-8 hours!
• Swings allow for varied intensity of movement that may be needed for children who under-respond or over-respond to vestibular input.

See what it looks like below: