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So please dig deep and donate now, the money raised through this page will help Sunfield to provide a range of new 'Sensory' resources.
Many of the children who are referred to Sunfield have complex sensory issues which can distract or prevent them from engaging in education, sometimes to the extent of refusing to go to school or exhibiting behaviours which make engagement in education very difficult, distracting and sometimes dangerous for the child, other children and staff.
Many students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are in a state of under or over-arousal; the under-aroused student will miss much input from the world around them and will therefore fail to register or respond to it, whereas the over-aroused student will feel bombarded by a constant stream of unfiltered information. This stress may easily lead to behaviours which are aggressive, overly controlling, disorganised or unproductive.
Sensory Integration Therapy has been found to be an effective strategy for reducing ‘non-engaged’ behaviour and for increasing ‘engaged’ behaviour. It is therefore vital that Sunfield has appropriate ‘sensory’ resources, so we are consequently fundraising for the following new facilities:
Sensory Garden: The design and layout of Sunfield’s proposed Sensory Garden will provide a stimulating journey through the senses, heightening awareness and bringing positive learning experiences. It will also be an area where visitors to Sunfield, including the students’ families and siblings, can enjoy spending time.
Sensory Integration Therapy Room: Sensory integration therapy involves the use of specialist equipment. Traditionally it takes place on a one-to-one basis in a room with suspended equipment for varying movement and sensory experiences. The therapist follows the child’s lead and artfully selects and modifies activities according to the child’s responses to environmental challenges. We have identified an area within the existing buildings which could be adapted and fitted with the appropriate equipment, but work cannot proceed until sufficient funds have been raised.
Snoezelen/sensory room: Snoezelen or controlled multi-sensory stimulation offers students a soothing and stimulating environment. This room has been specially designed to provide stimuli to various senses using lighting effects, colour, sounds, music, scents, etc.
Outdoor play and sensory equipment: The various pieces of playground equipment have been selected for the intense sensory input and the gross motor skill development which they offer. The equipment is robust enough to meet the needs of all the students whether they are at the younger age range (7 years), right up to our young adult students (19 years). The equipment will be accessed throughout the school day and in the students’ leisure time at evenings and weekends.
We hope you will be able to help us to complete these essential new resources.
If you require any further information please contact:
Ian Jones - Director of Appeals & Development
Sunfield, Woodman Lane, Clent, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 9PB
Tel. 01562 882253