Setting Up a Sensory Friendly Educational Environment

SUPERCALM
Aug 18
2 min read

Updated: Aug 19

Creating Inclusive Spaces: NCSE’s New Guide to Sensory Spaces in Schools

With the proposed plans to expand the number of special classes in schools across Ireland, now is the perfect time to highlight an excellent new resource from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The NCSE has just published a Sensory Spaces in Schools booklet, developed by their team of Senior Occupational Therapists. This guide draws on both research evidence and the therapists’ professional experience of working directly with schools, making it a practical and valuable tool for teachers, school leaders, and support staff.

The booklet explores how schools can design sensory-friendly environments that support all learners, with particular benefits for autistic students and those with additional sensory needs. From ideas on setting up sensory rooms to practical tips for everyday classroom adjustments, it’s a resource that can make a real difference in promoting inclusion and accessibility.

👉 Click below to download the NCSE Sensory Spaces in Schools resource (2025 edition).

📖 Tip: See Page 25 for guidance on sensory pathways, a creative and effective way to support movement and regulation throughout the school day.

NCSE new guide to sensory friendly school spaces using sensory pathways

On page 25 the NCSE high lights the benefits of installing a sensory corridor creating a sensory pathway for students who may benefit from frequent movement or increased sensory input. Stating how simple stations could transform a typical corridor into an inclusive sensory space. All students and adults alike can engage with the sensory corridor as they transition to different rooms throughout the day.

Our SUPERCALM sensory pathways are designed to be universal in design as they are based on interpretitive play of the wall and floor icons. Users can move intuitively throuhg the payway meeting their individual sensory threhold to reguate before returning to class.

Our sensory pathways are always colourful and engaging graphics to encourage purposeful movements that will activate the proprioceptive sensory system, check in emotionally and take a few minutes to try some calming breathing using our wall visuals.