Sensory Circuits

A sensory circuit is a form of sensory integration intervention. It offers a short and snappy sensory motor skills programme.

It involves a sequence of physical activities that are designed to alert, organise and calm the child. 

The sensory circuit aims to facilitate sensory processing to help children regulate and organise their senses in order to achieve the optimum level of alertness and regulation required for an effective learning/ interactions. The circuit should be an active, physical and fun activity that children enjoy doing.

Sensory circuits are a great way to both energise and settle children so they can focus and engage better in the classroom or engage in activities within the community.
 

Many children can benefit from attending a sensory circuit, even for a short period of time. The activities can also be utilised at different times of the day as part of a sensory diet to help the child regulate.

Sensory circuits are designed to start with alerting activities, move to an organising stage and then finally to a calming stage.

Doing the activities in the recommended order is vital. The right order results in a well-regulated, happy child. The wrong order may well result in a dysregulated, upset or irritable child and have the opposite effect.

Sensory Rooms

What is a sensory room?

A sensory room is a place designed to be a safe space for children with physical and/or sensory needs but is also used to support children with communication and interaction difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.

How are sensory rooms used?

Sensory rooms provide a safe space to relax, de-stress and diffuse anxieties. They can be used for children with a wide range of needs and difficulties.

They can be used to stimulate or calm the senses — sight, touch and hearing — and provide a space for pupils to explore and develop their sensory skills. They can calm pupils’ mood, improve focus, build social skills as well as cognitive and motor skill development.

They are proven to reduce the risk of crisis situations occurring and help children to manage their emotions in an effective, gentle way.

Sensory rooms at Oldmixon.

At Oldmixon we have two sensory rooms: 'The Nest' and 'The Den'. They are used for individual children, pairs and small groups. The sessions are always supervised by an adult and are offered when beneficial/needed.