1st Edition
Becoming a Sensory Aware School A Toolkit to Develop a Whole School Approach for Sensory Wellbeing
Sensory needs are often misunderstood and, as a result, neglected across many schools. Yet sensory needs are universal foundational building blocks at the base of both human and learning needs. This practical book covers everything schools need to know and consider about the sensory needs of all students and staff within the school environment. By focusing on all sensory needs in a holistic way, this leads to a deeper understanding of one another and is a truly inclusive approach to benefit all.
Sensory Aware Schools have the potential for happier and more productive learning environments, with reduced potential for disruption as well as improvements in how school communities work and learn together. Chapters look at the sensory aware student and teacher and the sensory aware classroom and school, setting out the roadmap for working from sensory awareness to sensory inclusion and towards sensory wellbeing.
The book:
• Sets out the core and quality standards for Sensory Aware Schools
• Provides a clear introduction to sensory systems and sensory awareness, discussing a variety of different models and approaches
• Contains audit tools to help the reader to reflect on sensory needs, as well as a wealth of best practice tips, reflective questions and case studies
• Develops staff skills in recognising and responding to sensory needs
• Offers easy-to-implement, practical strategies for effective, short-term adjustments as well as long-term improvements to the sensory school environment
• Includes an extensive sensory curriculum for students.
This accessible book equips the reader with a multitude of strategies and resources and illustrates how adopting a whole school approach to sensory wellbeing will benefit everyone. It is essential reading for school leaders, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinators (SENDCOs) and primary and secondary teachers in mainstream or specialist provision, who are keen to develop an ethos of supporting sensory needs.
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - What is a Sensory Aware School?
Chapter 3 - Understanding our sensory world
Chapter 4 - You are a sensory individual
Chapter 5 - Recognising and responding to sensory needs
Chapter 6 - Developing your sensory curriculum
Chapter 7 - The Sensory Aware School environment
Chapter 8 - Whole school approach to becoming a Sensory Aware School
Chapter 9 Conclusion and next steps
Further reading and resources
Biography
Alice Hoyle is a wellbeing education consultant specialising in Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RSHE). She is a neurodivergent (ND) mum supporting varying levels of sensory needs in her ND family. Having worked in schools as a teacher, Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) lead, Youth Worker and Local Education Authority (LEA) Education Adviser for two decades, she is very aware how sensory needs are hugely misunderstood and neglected across many mainstream schools.
Tessa Hyde is an Occupational Therapist with nearly 40 years of experience working in the UK National Health Service (NHS) and independent sector. She works with schools and families to assess, identify and support the sensory and physical motor co-ordination needs of school aged children. Tessa has a wealth of knowledge and strategies to support co-ordination and sensory needs at home and at school.
Alice and Tessa were neighbours for 10 years. This book was created after Tessa led a successful assessment on one of Alice’s daughters, where the suggested strategies were transformative.
"This is an absolutely fantastic resource; I was entranced by all of the amazing activities and how incredibly useful they are. I love the visuals, and the cat food session had me squirming! I think this toolkit will make such a difference in raising awareness and understanding as well as making necessary changes to sensory wellbeing in schools."
Jane De Ste Croix, Principal Educational Psychologist, Bath and North East Somerset
“Becoming a Sensory Aware School offers practical strategies and compassionate approaches to create a more inclusive and effective learning space for all students. This book provides educators with the tools they need to support every student’s sensory journey. From understanding sensory processing to implementing sensory-friendly classroom designs and lesson plans to support students’ sensory understanding, it covers all essential aspects. Additionally, it challenges you to reflect on your own sensory preferences and wellbeing. Perfect for teachers and teaching assistants, Becoming a Sensory Aware School is a must-read for anyone committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive.”
Beth Smithson, Sensory Inclusive Schools, Sensory Integration Education
"Any education practitioner who has stepped foot in a school in the last five years will be aware of the importance of supporting the sensory needs of our learners (and our staff!), yet it's an area which is so often misunderstood. Luckily, Alice Hoyle and Tessa Hyde, who share a wealth of education experience - including as teacher and occupational therapist - have come to our rescue! [...] The book uses clear explanations and examples to develop skills in recognising and responding to sensory needs and it pragmatically sets out a multiture of strategies and resources which are easy-to-implement [...]. All in all, this is a much-needed toolkit which offers a fresh perspective on an important topic."
Ffion Robinson, nasen Connect, February 2025
