How To Make An Outdoor Classroom A Sensory Space

We offer one of the most comprehensive ranges in the UK of outdoor classrooms and shelters but the lovely thing is, I don’t think we have ever sold two of exactly the same kind – they are always different as we like to make sure that we consistently offer a range of unique options and modifications that better suit the school’s specific needs rather than just supplying something “off the shelf” as it were.

And a common request at the moment is for schools wanting to provide a provision for outdoor learning but with a sensory element to it for children who have special needs or quite simply to be a quiet, reflective and calm space where children can go to relax.

So this is where the modifications and our optional extras come in which will all compliment this theme. A school needs to decide first on what size or shape building they want and here we can advise accordingly as usually this decision is based on space availability, amount of children the outdoor classroom needs to accommodate and budget of course.

Let’s look at the sensory options:

SIGHT – strong and vibrant colours work well so we could offer special multi-coloured perspex window panels or a multi-coloured archway and entrance. Planters or flower beds are a good option here too because a school can grow plants which burst with colour

TOUCH – we offer a range of different textured tactile panels which are fixed to the walls or lower panels which the children can easily feel and touch

SMELL – we could use certain types of timber which give off a natural pungent smell such as cedar but more commonly, it goes back to using planters and beds where plants with powerful smells can be planted. Lavender would be a good example of this.

SOUND – chimes can be hung from the roof which give off a very relaxing and soothing sound. Or alternatively we have a range of musical panels featuring drums, chimes and bells etc which can either be free-standing mounted onto posts or onto the walls.

TASTE – this goes back to whatever is being grown in the planters which is safe to eat.

There are a lot of options therefore as listed above which could make your outdoor classroom a unique sensory experience.

For more information, please contact us on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com