Real progress for young people thanks to our transformed Multi-Sensory Building

Since reopening in February this year, our Multi-Sensory Building is already delivering demonstrable, positive outcomes for the autistic young people with complex needs who live and learn with us. 

Thanks to a dedicated fundraising project and the generosity of our donors, the Multi-Sensory Building has been completely transformed and carefully designed around the changing needs of our young people.  

For more than a decade, the building played a vital role in supporting learning and wellbeing but, over time, the equipment became worn and outdated. Now, thanks to supporters, our multi-sensory rooms are once again making a tangible contribution to young people's wellbeing and learning. 

The building features a safe, cushioned soft-play environment for whole-body movement, a highly interactive exploration space, and a calm, low-stimulation retreat for young people who are easily overstimulated. 

Emma Barnes, our Head of Therapy, said:

Managing and regulating sensory needs is one of the first things we have to get right for any young person at Prior's Court.  For that, we need the right staff with the right skills using the right facilities and equipment. Thanks to the support of donors to this project, we can now make real strides in empowering young people to manage and regulate sensory needs. When we get it right, young people are better able to attend education, develop new skills and engage with the world around them. Completing this refurbishment has already made a real difference to daily life for the young people we support.

The images and videos below do not relate to the anonymised young people in the casestudies.

Outcomes in action: The Blue Room 

The soft play space, known as The Blue Room, has benefitted one of our young people who craves whole-body movement. 

Our Therapy team reports: "This young person really enjoys the Moon Swing – they will climb onto the soft play slide as high as they can, position themselves on the 'Moon Swing', hold on tight, and launch themselves off the platform. 

"In the past, and when on a swing outside, the height and speed at which they would go would be determined by the person pushing her. Now, they are in complete control of what she does. 

"They are in a safe space, and this activity is not only strengthening their muscles and improving their gross motor skills but also building their confidence and independence. 

"In the past few months, the transformation in this young person has been significant. With more space to move freely and consistent access to a wide range of fully functioning equipment, they are now better supported to manage their sensory, emotional and communication needs." 

Outcomes in action: The Pink Room 

The interactive exploration space, known as The Pink Room, has re-engaged one of our young people who had found transitioning into new spaces, and staying in them, challenging. 

Our Therapy team reports: "This young person is mesmerised by the Omni Vista Projector, which changes the floor into an immersive, interactive projection. They particularly favour the animal programme, which presents a variety of species in vivid, moving scenes. 

"As animals appear and move across the floor, they are motivated to follow them and name them. This interactive element supports their concentration, listening and turn-taking skills, and the structured yet playful nature of the programme provides just the right level of challenge. 

"It is really encouraging to hear their verbal language improving, and we have observed clear progress in their social interaction skills too. They now seek out opportunities for shared attention and light-hearted exchanges, which is a huge step forward. 

"There's been an improvement in his regulation as well – they appear calmer, comfortable, and genuinely happy to be in the building. They are developing trust and engaging more with staff, something they have struggled to do in the past." 

Outcomes in action: The Purple Room 

The calm, low-stimulation retreat, known as The Purple Room, is supporting young people to relax, regulate and reconnect with those around them, particularly in group sessions. 

Our Therapy team reports: "One standout feature is the Bubble Tube and Vibrating Platform. With the lights dimmed and a gentle wash of colour, which the young people can control themselves, they can relax together and watch the bubbles rise and fall. 

"Watching the bubbles helps alleviate stress and anxiety, while the subtle vibrating sensation from the platform creates an additional soothing effect, particularly beneficial for those with heightened sensory sensitivities. 

"This space lends itself well to group work, and we are seeing the young people engage with one another more often. There is an increased sense of community and togetherness, and the young people are choosing to remain in sessions for longer, with a noticeable reduction in the need to leave early." 

What the data tells us about our sensory rooms 

These observations are borne out by our early data insights, in which staff rated the progress they had seen across key areas.  

The findings show the majority of young people using the building are making good, steady progress in emotional regulation, communication and social interaction, independence (such as initiating or choice-making), and having a sense of belonging or comfort in the space. 

Manage Cookie Preferences