Also called
Calm room, nurture room, regulation room, sensory room, sensory corner
Used by
Pupils who benefit from a break or sensory input, with support from trained staff
Cost
Corners from a few hundred pounds; published packages from about £1,895 to £32,750 ex VAT
Before you start
Agree the purpose, who supervises and how the room will be kept up

What is a sensory room in a school?

In schools and nurseries, a sensory room is a space pupils can use for a break from the classroom or for sensory activities. Schools may call it a calm room, nurture room, regulation room or multi-sensory room. A smaller version, a sensory corner, can sit inside a classroom. See what is a sensory room for the basics.

What are school sensory rooms used for?

  • Taking a break before pupils become overwhelmed
  • Settling and regulating after a busy or upsetting time
  • Sensory activities, such as light, sound, touch and movement
  • One-to-one or small group sessions with a teaching assistant, therapist or specialist
  • Part of a routine, such as a morning sensory circuit (see sensory circuits)

A sensory room is not a punishment or removal space. If a room is also used when a pupil is distressed or at risk, schools need clear policies and professional advice. See de-escalation rooms.

Should every school have a sensory room?

Not necessarily. What matters is whether pupils have somewhere calm to go and whether staff can use it well. Some schools use a dedicated room, some a corner in each classroom, some a mobile sensory trolley. Start with who needs it and what for, then choose the simplest option that works.

What does your setting need?

Ask:

  • Which pupils will use the room, at what ages, and for what?
  • How many at once, and who supervises?
  • Is there a quiet space away from corridors and the playground?
  • Does it need wheelchair or hoist access?
  • Who will clean, check and look after equipment?
  • How much budget do you have, and how will you fund the rest?

Involve staff, pupils where appropriate, parents and carers, the SENCO and an occupational therapist (OT) if the school works with one.

Which room types could fit?

What equipment suits a school?

Schools need equipment that is durable, easy to clean and safe for many users. Check each item for warranty, spares, cleaning instructions and installation needs. Typical items include:

  • Dimmable lighting, bubble tubes, fibre optics and projectors
  • Soft seating, floor cushions and padded flooring
  • Tactile panels and sensory toys
  • Sound controls and, where suitable, calming music
  • Movement equipment such as crash mats or swings, with proper fixing and supervision

See what to put in a sensory room, colours and lighting and flooring and padding.

How do you keep a school sensory room safe?

Schools have legal duties under health and safety law. At a minimum, identify hazards, decide who could be harmed and how, and take action to remove or control the risk, then review regularly. Cover electrics, fixings, flooring, lighting, supervision, cleaning and emergency exits. See safety and risk assessment.

How should staff use the room?

Rooms often fall out of use because nobody is trained or responsible. Name a lead, give staff short training, agree simple rules (how many pupils at once, how long, who supervises), and record what works. Review the room each term.

How much does a school sensory room cost?

Published UK packages range from about £1,895 to £32,750 ex VAT, and an industry guide puts standard school rooms at £10,000 to £25,000. A classroom corner costs far less. See sensory room cost for sources and tiers.

How do schools fund a sensory room?

Schools usually combine their own budget, fundraising, local grants and, in some cases, local authority funding. See funding and grants and our directory of UK grants.

What do sensory rooms look like in early years?

Early years settings (EYFS) often use a smaller, softer space with age-appropriate items and close supervision. Keep small parts out of reach of young children, choose items that are safe to mouth where needed, and follow the setting's safeguarding and safety policies. See sensory room ideas and babies and toddlers.

What is a sensory room in a school?
A shared space where pupils can take a break, settle or do sensory activities with support from trained staff. It may be called a calm room, nurture room or regulation room.
Do schools need a sensory room?
No rule requires one. What matters is that pupils have a calm place to go and that staff can use it well. A classroom corner may be enough.
What should a school sensory room include?
Dimmable lighting, soft seating, tactile items, calm sound and, where suitable, movement equipment, all durable and easy to clean.
Who should supervise a school sensory room?
Trained staff named by the school. Agree who is responsible, how many pupils can use it at once and what to do in an emergency.
How much does a school sensory room cost?
From a few hundred pounds for a corner to tens of thousands for a fitted room. Published UK packages run from about £1,895 to £32,750 ex VAT.
Are there any disadvantages to a sensory room in school?
They can fall out of use without training and upkeep, and cost can be high. A room should not be used as a punishment or as a substitute for wider support.

Sources