One year after first trying Sensory Space, Green Fold School is still seeing how it helps pupils engage, make choices and build early cause and effect skills.
When we returned to Green Fold School, it was clear that Sensory Space had become a meaningful part of the learning experience for many pupils. After being one of the first schools to explore it before launch, the team quickly saw its potential for children with complex special educational needs. Caitlin, Class Teacher at Green Fold, remembered that first experience clearly. As she shared, “I knew instantly how amazing it would be for our children.” That early excitement has grown into something even more powerful over the past year, with staff seeing how Sensory Space can support engagement, anticipation and early development in ways that feel motivating and accessible. “We saw how beneficial it was for our children. It helped develop cause and effect skills from the very start”. What stood out most during our visit was how naturally learners connected with the activities. There was a real sense of enjoyment in the room, along with calm, focused moments where children were given time, space and encouragement to explore in their own way.
One of the biggest benefits Green Fold has seen over the last year is the way Sensory Space supports early cause and effect learning. For children at the very beginning of this journey, understanding that an action creates a response is an important step, and Sensory Space helps make that learning clear, rewarding and fun. As Caitlin explained, “it helped develop that cause and effect skill right from the very start,” giving pupils opportunities to press and hold a switch, interact with the screen and see an immediate visual or auditory response. These moments may seem small, but they can be hugely significant for learners developing their first independent interactions. Staff have seen children grow in confidence as they begin to understand that they can make something happen. That growing awareness brings excitement, anticipation and a stronger sense of participation, helping learners feel more connected to the activity in front of them.
Another strength of Sensory Space at Green Fold has been the opportunity to personalise each experience. Caitlin spoke warmly about how pupils enjoy choosing the elements that matter most to them, from favourite colours to preferred songs. As she shared, “the children loved picking their own colours and their song,” which gave them a more active role in the activity. This kind of choice making is incredibly valuable for learners with special educational needs, helping them express preferences and develop a stronger sense of agency. At Green Fold, staff support these choices in ways that suit each child, using communication books, modelling, observation and sensitive encouragement. By tailoring activities around individual responses, Sensory Space becomes more than a sensory experience. It becomes a tool for communication, self-expression and shared enjoyment. This flexibility has helped staff create sessions that feel personal, meaningful and motivating for every learner.
During our visit, it was lovely to see how Sensory Space was supporting more than early skills alone. It was also creating moments of connection between learners and staff. Pupils were not just watching the screen, they were responding, anticipating, sharing enjoyment and joining in with the activity in ways that felt right for them. Some learners showed excitement through facial expressions, vocalisations or movement. Others engaged by activating a switch, looking towards the screen or showing clear preferences when music or colours changed. Staff were able to respond to these moments, helping turn small reactions into meaningful communication opportunities. For some children, access included additional support such as hand-over-hand guidance or close observation of vocal responses. What mattered most was that every learner could take part in a way that felt comfortable and achievable. These shared experiences created a calm, positive atmosphere where progress felt natural and enjoyable.
One year on, Sensory Space is still making a real difference at Green Fold. It is helping pupils build early skills, communicate in their own way and join in with more confidence. Just as importantly, it is creating those special moments where a child shows enjoyment, makes a choice or responds in a way that staff know really matters. Green Fold’s experience shows that with the right support, even small steps can lead to meaningful progress.
