Lodge Park Academy in Corby unveils plans for new Sensory Room

During the Easter holiday, Tracy Vials, an Autism Support Service and Training Co-ordinator from Enfold Nottinghamshire, visited LPA to advise on the creation and development of a dedicated room for students. Sensory Rooms are designed as dedicated, regulated environments to help children regulate sensory input, by using light, sound, texture, movement and calming features, such as soft bean bags, lights, weighted blankets and visual features such as water or bubble tubes. Sensory Rooms are used in mainstream and special schools to provide students with a calm space, to help them self-regulate, manage their emotions and be ready to learn.

Dr Ute Steenkamp, director of diversity and inclusion, and SENDCo lead at LPA said: “I am delighted to be able to share the plans for our Sensory Room at Lodge Park Academy. This important project has been made possible thanks to community support through the Tesco ‘Stronger Starts’ programme. Following a public vote in the local store, our project came second, and as a result was chosen by Tesco customers to receive a grant award of £1000. 

This funding will directly benefit the students and will support the development and transformation of our current Sensory Room, to meet the needs and help all of our students.”

Sue Jones, executive principal at LPA said: “We are so grateful to our community for voting for us, for the generous grant from Tesco and we are really looking forward to working alongside Enfold. We already have plans underway to provide additional support and training for parents and carers, which will give valuable insight into Autism, sensory needs and inclusive strategies that can be used both in school and at home. 

Our developing partnership with Enfold reinforces our commitment to inclusion, collaboration and student wellbeing, ensuring that every learner is supported to achieve their full potential.”

The Sensory Room consultation is the start of a wider programme of development. The next phase will actively involve Lodge Park Academy students, giving young people a voice in shaping a space that truly reflects their needs and experiences. By listening directly to students, the academy aims to create a sensory environment that is both purposeful and inclusive.