Becoming a Sensory Aware School: A Toolkit to Develop a Whole School Approach for Sensory Wellbeing

Sensory needs are often misunderstood and, as a result, neglected across many schools. Yet sensory needs are universal foundational building blocks at the base of both human and learning needs. This practical book covers everything schools need to know and consider about the sensory needs of all students and staff within the school environment. By focusing on all sensory needs in a holistic way, this leads to a deeper understanding of one another and is a truly inclusive approach to benefit all.

Sensory Aware Schools have the potential for happier and more productive learning environments, with reduced potential for disruption as well as improvements in how school communities work and learn together. Chapters look at the sensory aware student and teacher and the sensory aware classroom and school, setting out the roadmap for working from sensory awareness to sensory inclusion and towards sensory wellbeing.

The book:

• Sets out the core and quality standards for Sensory Aware Schools
• Provides a clear introduction to sensory systems and sensory awareness, discussing a variety of different models and approaches
• Contains audit tools to help the reader to reflect on sensory needs, as well as a wealth of best practice tips, reflective questions and case studies
• Develops staff skills in recognising and responding to sensory needs
• Offers easy-to-implement, practical strategies for effective, short-term adjustments as well as long-term improvements to the sensory school environment
• Includes an extensive sensory curriculum for students.

This accessible book equips the reader with a multitude of strategies and resources and illustrates how adopting a whole school approach to sensory wellbeing will benefit everyone. It is essential reading for school leaders, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinators (SENDCOs) and primary and secondary teachers in mainstream or specialist provision, who are keen to develop an ethos of supporting sensory needs.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - What is a Sensory Aware School?

Chapter 3 - Understanding our sensory world

Chapter 4 - You are a sensory individual

Chapter 5 - Recognising and responding to sensory needs

Chapter 6 - Developing your sensory curriculum

Chapter 7 - The Sensory Aware School environment

Chapter 8 - Whole school approach to becoming a Sensory Aware School

Chapter 9 Conclusion and next steps

Further reading and resources

"This is an absolutely fantastic resource; I was entranced by all of the amazing activities and how incredibly useful they are. I love the visuals, and the cat food session had me squirming! I think this toolkit will make such a difference in raising awareness and understanding as well as making necessary changes to sensory wellbeing in schools."
- Jane De Ste Croix, Principal Educational Psychologist, Bath and North East Somerset

"Becoming a Sensory Aware School offers practical strategies and compassionate approaches to create a more inclusive and effective learning space for all students. This book provides educators with the tools they need to support every student’s sensory journey. From understanding sensory processing to implementing sensory-friendly classroom designs and lesson plans to support students’ sensory understanding, it covers all essential aspects. Additionally, it challenges you to reflect on your own sensory preferences and wellbeing. Perfect for teachers and teaching assistants, Becoming a Sensory Aware School is a must-read for anyone committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive."
- Beth Smithson, Sensory Inclusive Schools, Sensory Integration Education