A Calm and Stimulating Space for Learning and Discovery

At Acorn Nursery, we recognise that every child learns, explores and experiences the world in their own unique way.

Our dedicated sensory room provides a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment where children can explore their senses, develop new skills and enjoy meaningful learning experiences at their own pace.

The sensory room offers opportunities for both calming and stimulating activities, allowing our practitioners to adapt experiences to meet children's individual interests, abilities and developmental needs.

Exploring Through the Senses

Sensory experiences play an important role in children's early learning and development.

Our sensory room provides opportunities for children to explore light, colour, sound, movement and touch through carefully planned and supported activities.

These experiences encourage children to:

• Develop sensory awareness: Explore and respond to different sensory experiences.

• Build attention and concentration: Develop curiosity, observation and the ability to focus on activities.

• Encourage communication: Support shared attention, interaction, choice-making and the development of language.

• Support emotional wellbeing: Enjoy calming experiences that can help children relax and develop emotional regulation.

• Develop confidence: Explore new experiences in a familiar, reassuring and supportive environment.

• Encourage curiosity and discovery: Investigate cause and effect, make choices and develop an understanding of the world around them.

Supporting Children with Additional Needs

Our sensory room is particularly beneficial for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those who may experience sensory processing differences, communication difficulties or challenges with emotional regulation.

Our experienced practitioners carefully observe children's responses and adapt activities to suit their individual needs, ensuring that experiences are positive, enjoyable and meaningful.

Where appropriate, the sensory room may also be used to support targeted interventions, including Intensive Interaction and activities designed to develop shared attention, engagement and communication.

Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) works closely with practitioners, parents and external professionals to ensure that children's individual developmental needs are understood and supported.

A Space for Every Child

Although our sensory room provides valuable support for children with additional needs, it is an inclusive resource that can benefit all children attending Acorn Nursery.

Whether enjoying a quiet moment, exploring new sensory experiences or developing communication and attention skills, children are supported to engage in ways that are comfortable and appropriate for them.

Our practitioners ensure that sensory experiences are carefully supervised and adapted to each child's stage of development.

At Acorn Nursery, our sensory room provides a special space where children can explore, discover, build confidence and flourish in their own unique way.