The Forest School Inclusion department are currently looking into raising funds towards building a small sensory room within their department.

I have recently visited a local primary school and was very impressed with how beneficial a sensory room has been for their pupils and the actual design of the room itself. The benefits it can have for those pupils who have social communication difficulties and social, emotional and mental health difficulties in providing them with a known ‘safe place’ within the school is something I would like to be able to offer our pupils too.

Sensory Rooms aim to combine a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. These can include lights, colours, sounds, sensory soft play objects and aromas all within a safe environment that allows the person using it to explore and interact without risk. They have been known to provide a place for pupils to gather their thoughts and re-focus their concentration, thus enabling them to go back into lessons and access their learning.

It is our hope to raise approximately £5000-£6000 to cover building costs and the necessary equipment that is needed within the room itself. As a department we have been doing a number of fundraising activities, because as you are more than aware funding for West Sussex schools is a big concern and funding for such a specialist provision cannot be fully provided by the school. Any support you could provide would be much appreciated and extremely beneficial for our pupils.

Thank you very much for your support in this endeavour.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr M Wickham

Director of Inclusion

The Forest School: 'Where Boys Learn Best'

www.theforestschool.com