Sheringham Woodfields School is a specialist school supporting pupils with a wide range of additional learning and sensory needs. As part of its commitment to creating supportive learning environments, the school introduced a dedicated sensory room designed to help pupils regulate sensory input and improve engagement with learning.
More than ten years after the original installation, the school returned to Experia to refresh and modernise the sensory environment. The decision to update the space was not due to equipment failure, but a desire to introduce new sensory experiences and take advantage of the latest developments in sensory technology.
The refreshed environment now incorporates Experia’s latest sensory innovation, including the first installation of the IntelliPanel, bringing a new generation of interactive sensory technology into the space.
Transforming a trusted sensory space with next-generation technology
Project Overview
Project Type: Multi-Sensory Environment
Location: Sheringham, United Kingdom
Client: Sheringham Woodfields School
Sector: Education / Special Educational Needs
Primary Users: Students with additional sensory and learning needs
The challenge
Students with additional sensory needs can sometimes find classroom environments overwhelming. Noise, movement and busy learning spaces can make it difficult for some pupils to remain calm or focused.
Sheringham Woodfields School originally installed a sensory environment with Experia over a decade ago to provide pupils with a dedicated space where they could regulate sensory input and relax.
After many years of daily use, the school wanted to refresh the environment to introduce new sensory experiences while maintaining the calm and supportive atmosphere that had made the original installation so valuable.
The challenge was to modernise the space while preserving the principles that had made the sensory room such an important resource for the school.
Client perspective
“Our students benefit enormously from having access to a space where they can relax and regulate sensory input. The sensory environment has become an important part of the support we provide for pupils.”
Matt Smith, Business Manager, Sheringham Woodfields School
Experia design approach
Experia worked closely with the school to redesign and refresh the sensory environment while building on the success of the original installation.
The design approach focused on maintaining a calm and structured environment where pupils can explore sensory experiences at their own pace.
Key design priorities included:
• creating a calming atmosphere that contrasts with busy classroom environments
• introducing new interactive sensory technology
• maintaining comfortable areas where pupils can relax
• ensuring the environment remains accessible and easy for staff to supervise
As part of the refresh, Sheringham Woodfields School became the first school to install Experia’s IntelliPanel, a new generation of interactive sensory equipment designed to bring modern technology into sensory environments.
Key sensory features
The refreshed sensory environment incorporates a range of elements designed to support sensory development and emotional regulation.
Features include:
• bubble tube lighting providing calming visual stimulation
• fibre optic lighting encouraging visual exploration
• comfortable soft seating areas for relaxation
• interactive sensory equipment supporting engagement
The environment also features Experia’s IntelliPanel, an advanced interactive sensory system that introduces dynamic content and responsive sensory experiences.
The IntelliPanel allows pupils to interact with sensory environments in new ways, bringing a modern and engaging dimension to the space.
Before and after transformation
Before the refresh project, the sensory environment had served the school successfully for more than a decade.
Through careful redesign and the introduction of new sensory technologies, the space has now been modernised while maintaining the calm environment that pupils rely on.
The transformation demonstrates how existing sensory environments can evolve over time to incorporate new technology and sensory experiences.
How the space is used
Students use the sensory environment throughout the school day when they need to regulate sensory input or calm emotions.
Teachers and support staff also use the environment during structured sessions designed to support communication, sensory exploration and emotional regulation.
The space provides a safe and supportive environment where pupils can reset before returning to classroom learning.
The outcome
More than ten years after the original installation, the refreshed sensory environment continues to play an important role in supporting pupils at Sheringham Woodfields School.
The introduction of IntelliPanel technology and updated sensory features has brought a new level of engagement to the environment while maintaining the calm and supportive atmosphere that students depend on.
The project highlights the long-term value of well-designed sensory environments and demonstrates how schools can successfully refresh existing spaces to introduce new sensory experiences.
Experia perspective
“Sensory environments can make a significant difference in specialist education settings. By providing pupils with a space where they can regulate sensory input, schools can create more supportive learning environments.”
Gareth Jones, Founder and CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues worldwide.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
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