The Problem With School Sensory Rooms Nobody Talks About

🎙️ Are We Getting Sensory Rooms Wrong?We talk a lot about inclusion in education…but what if some of the very spaces designed to support neurodivergent students aren’t always meeting their needs?n this episode of RECAP The Podcast, I’m joined by Kylie Melville - PhD researcher and former SEND educator - to explore multi-sensory environments in schools, sensory safety, and why lived experience must be at the heart of inclusive practice.Together, we unpack what sensory environments actually are, why they matter, and the challenges schools face when trying to create spaces that genuinely support neurodivergent students.💡 In this episode, we discuss:What multi-sensory environments really are (and why they’re more than just “sensory rooms”)Why sensory safety is essential for learningThe challenges schools face when designing and using sensory spacesWhy “one-size-fits-all” sensory rooms don’t workThe importance of student voice and lived experience in research and practiceHow some sensory spaces risk becoming tokenistic or even harmfulSupporting neurodivergent students in ways that are meaningful and individualisedWhy schools need more evidence-informed guidance around sensory inclusion❤️ Why this mattersNo child can fully engage in learning if they don’t first feel safe.As awareness of neurodiversity grows, more schools are introducing sensory spaces - but without clear guidance, training, or meaningful student input, these environments risk missing the mark.This conversation offers an honest and thoughtful look at what genuine sensory inclusion can look like and why listening to neurodivergent voices is essential if we want schools to become places where every child can thrive.🎧 Listen now: available on:SpotifyApple PodcastsAll major platforms👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode🔗 Connect & followFollow RECAP for evidence-informed, accessible content for families and professionals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recap.ltd/Website: https://www.recapinfo.co.uk/Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/recapinfo/newsletter-landing-page?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLKjpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnVjc0UXhqZ3k3ZW93ZHFLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnySw4NxuZ6Zx557mjJ-crfiCKhoLmykbWyxcAlwJGGJnklGT2BA0yXpefWk_aem_NGv834rxesL31J-gzSY8XQFollow & Connect with Kyleigh: https://edwebprofiles.ed.ac.uk/profile/kyleigh-melvillehttps://multisensoryenvironmentsneurodiversity.wordpress.com/💬 Join the conversationDo you think schools are doing enough to support sensory needs?👉 What does meaningful inclusion look like to you?👉 Have you seen sensory spaces used well in schools?Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.🔍 Keywords:sensory rooms in schools, neurodiversity in education, SEND education, sensory inclusion, neurodivergent students, autism and sensory needs, inclusive classrooms, sensory safety, sensory environments, education podcast UK, parenting podcast UK, SEND support, evidence informed education🔖 Hashtags:#SensoryRooms #Neurodiversity #SENDSupport #InclusiveEducation #SensoryInclusion #AutismEducation #EducationPodcast #ParentingPodcast #Neurodivergent #recapthepodcastSeries 6 Ep 4