How to create an SEN Classroom or Provision

More schools are being asked to provide SEN provision for their students. This can raise a whole lot of questions if it’s not something you’ve provided before! So how do you create an space that truly supports your students?

Below is our quick guide to help you provide your students with a place to relax, regulate, and feel comfortable.

• • 1. Understand your students’ needs

Start with identifying the needs of those who will use the space. These are a few things to consider:

• • • Any sensory sensitivities
    • Mobility needs
    • Number of pupils
    • Typical activities – you may want to use the area for quiet time, reading, 1-2-1 support, or regulation.

• • 2. Choose a room to convert into a SEN space

Pick a suitable room to convert into an SEN area. Consider the following:

• • • Noise: choose a quiet space away from high-traffic, noisy areas
    • Access: the area should be easy to supervise. You may need to consider accessible features depending on the students’ needs
    • Layout: consider how easily the room can be divided and zoned for different activities.

• • 3. Choose a few key elements to incorporate into the design

Identify a few key elements you’d like to see in the new space. Depending on the above 2 points, these could be something like:

• • • Wall padding or acoustic panels
    • Safety features. e.g. anti-finger-trap doors, toughened windows
    • Soft seating or flexible furniture
    • Sensory lighting

• • 4. Design a multi-functional space

Once you’ve identified your students’ needs and have a few ideas in mind – that’s where we come in.

Our team can turn your concept into a complete design with 2D layouts and 3D visuals showing exactly how the space can work for your students. We will help you to maximise the potential of the space, and create a calm and functional environment to meet every need.

We won’t leave you to figure it out alone, contact us on the details below to arrange a no-obligation site visit. We’ll take your brief and create a design that will pro  vide your students with a place they can feel calm and supported.