Creating Inclusive Spaces and Supporting Emotional Regulation through Sensory Rooms
Inclusion in schools isn’t just about ramps and accessible toilets. It’s about making sure every learner feels safe, supported, and able to take part in the school day. For many students especially those with visual impairments or who are neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences) the classroom can be overwhelming.
Sensory rooms are one way schools are bridging that gap. They provide a safe, calming space where students can regulate their emotions, explore sensory input, and build the confidence they need to re-engage with learning.
What Are Sensory Rooms?
Think of a sensory room as a space where students can hit “reset.” These rooms are set up with different textures, sounds, lights, and movement-based tools that either calm or stimulate the senses depending on what a child needs.
For some, it’s a place to slow down and manage anxiety. For others, it’s a space to explore and get the sensory feedback they need to focus. Either way, the room becomes a sanctuary where pupils can decompress, self-soothe, and return to class ready to learn.
Why Sensory Rooms Matter for Teachers and Students
For teachers, sensory rooms are more than “nice to have.” They give staff a structured, practical way to support regulation without disrupting lessons. A quick, supported break in a sensory room can prevent a meltdown, reduce stress, and help a student rejoin their peers more calmly.
For students, the impact can be life-changing:
Better emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
Improved focus when they return to the classroom
Increased confidence and independence
Healthier social interactions through better self-awareness
For learners with visual impairments, sensory rooms provide a space to explore through touch, sound, and movement often a critical part of building spatial awareness. For neurodivergent students, these rooms bring predictability and comfort in an environment that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
What Goes Inside Sensory Rooms?
While every school designs theirs a little differently, common elements include:
Tactile tools like textured panels, sensory bins, or weighted blankets
Auditory elements such as calming music or white noise
Proprioceptive equipment like swings, body socks, or balance boards
Visual aids such as low-light LEDs or fibre optics for low-vision stimulation
Olfactory stimuli like diffusers with calming scents
Activities can be structured (like mindfulness or guided tactile exploration) or completely unstructured, giving students time to regulate in the way that works best for them.
Adding Orientation with Tactile Markers
One challenge schools often miss is that sensory rooms themselves can feel disorienting especially for students with vision impairments. Tactile markers raised patterns and textures that can be felt help solve this by:
Labelling areas or tools through touch
Creating clear zones within the room (e.g., quiet corner vs. active play zone)
Encouraging independent exploration and navigation
This not only boosts confidence but also supports the goal of sensory rooms: independence, regulation, and emotional safety.
Elevating Sensory Rooms
When designed thoughtfully, sensory rooms are more than a calming break. They’re a pathway to resilience, confidence, and belonging.
At Sensei, we’ve seen how tactile markers can add that missing layer of accessibility making sensory rooms more intuitive and supportive for every learner. By blending touch-based guidance with sensory tools, schools can create spaces that truly meet students where they are and help them thrive.
