Additional support for learning: sensory-inclusive learning environments - guidance

12. Quiet and sensory spaces

Recommendations in this guide are intended to be applicable throughout all learning spaces for all ages, however there are some spaces which need to be designed and managed to provide a tailored and specific sensory experience. These may need to support people who are either hyper or hypo sensitive and therefore may require spaces such as a dedicated quiet space or a sensory stimulating space.

In existing buildings, it can be challenging to find space for both sensory stimulating and quiet spaces so the space may need to be adapted to accommodate the priority need of a particular cohort or individuals. The primary aim should be to create the restorative aspects of a quiet room, with some stimulation from small items within the storage unit. Additional stimulating environments can potentially be created in separate areas of the classroom if needed.

(Sometimes there are large storerooms within or adjacent to classrooms that can be successfully turned into small quiet spaces or sensory spaces). There are also many “pods,” sensory tents and other products available for this purpose. Seats that cocoon, like an egg chair that spins, or round swing seats on a frame are available for inside and outside environments.

12.1 Quiet rooms

Quiet rooms or enclosed spaces (inside or outside) are intended to be low stimulation, calming, restorative environments for an individual experiencing anxiety, episodes of dysregulation, sensory overload, meltdown or shutdown. Such facilities are intended as an individual space which offers privacy but can be used with or without a member of staff, as may be appropriate. Sometimes people experience a combination of hyposensory (sensory seeking) for some of the senses and hypersensitivity to others. It is therefore important that quiet rooms offer some ability to stimulate, such as having an enclosed small storage cupboard that contains a few stimulating items, for example stimming, fidget or tactile feedback that can be used by an individual whilst using the room.

12.2 Sensory spaces

Sensory spaces are for people who are sensory seeking (hyposensitive). Sensory rooms may be used during dysregulation but are generally intended to be a highly sensory stimulating experience. Such spaces usually have lots of stimming, fidget and visual devices such as coloured light strands, music and other sounds. These spaces are often larger than a quiet room and can usually be shared with others. (see image on previous page)

Comparative qualities (typical)

Quiet Rooms

• Quiet (but not silent) environment;
• Intimate and small - large enough for one person who needs support, plus supervising adult/s if needed;
• Feels tidy, orderly and self-contained, with good acoustics and sound separation;
• Low or standard height ceiling, or a mix;
• Simple, muted colour palette;
• Low lighting with warm colour temperature, able to have complete darkness;
  • Natural materials and plants;
  • Includes low seating to feel grounded;
  • Scent free space.

Sensory Spaces

• Highly energetic space;
• Often large enough to accommodate several people simultaneously and space to pace but usually with boundaries such as sensory tents or pods within larger spaces;
• Flexible in layout, intended to be used intuitively, perhaps with colourful soft blocks that can be repositioned to sub- divide the space or protect young children;
• High or standard ceiling, or a mix;
• Vivid mixed colours;
• Lighting options include multi-coloured lighting and fibre optic strands, sometimes lights projected onto ceiling (stars, planets);
  • Multi-sensory, to stimulate sensory integration (visual, auditory, tactile);
  • Immersive experiences with movement, such as ball pits;
  • Contains items for sensory feedback, such as fibre optic strands, furry cushions etc.

Applicable to both types of space:

• Offers reasonable privacy (under adult supervision);
• Soft finishes to lie or sit on (ideally sponge/wipe clean for hygiene reasons);
• Nooks and crannies to curl up in;
• Able to shut out light from adjacent spaces or windows when needed.

Equipment that could be helpful to keep in quiet and sensory rooms include:

• Stimming and fidget items;
• Music player;
• Noise cancelling headphones;
• Soft blankets to touch or curl up in;
• Breathable weighted blankets for extra feedback.

Resources:

PAS 6463 section 14, Annex B, Table B1 has a checklist for achieving suitable quiet and restorative spaces or rooms.