‘Every child deserves to feel safe and ready to learn’: Limerick school’s €12k sensory room appeal
Murroe National School pupils are at the heart of the project which will benefit their entire school community
EVERY child deserves to feel safe, understood, included and ready to learn, says Murroe NS teacher Patricia Griffin.
“We have an exciting dream for our school - to create a fantastic, fully equipped sensory room that will provide a safe, calming and supportive space for our pupils and our wider school community,” says the teacher.
Ms Griffin said thanks to the incredible support they have received through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, they have already secured €16,000.
“This funding will allow us to create the room itself - an achievement we are incredibly grateful for and so proud of,” said Ms Griffin.
However, they need the public’s help to take the next step as they are aiming to raise €12,000 to fully equip the room. To donate, log onto their GoFundMe page or contact the school.
“A sensory room is so much more than a room filled with equipment. It can be a place where a child who feels overwhelmed can find calm. A space where a pupil can regulate, refocus and prepare themselves to learn.
“It can provide opportunities for movement, exploration and sensory development, while supporting emotional wellbeing and inclusion. Our vision is to create a high-quality, welcoming sensory environment that caters for the diverse needs of all our pupils.”
Ms Griffin says the €12,000 they are hoping to raise will allow them to equip the room with specialist sensory resources, lighting, interactive equipment, calming areas and other materials designed to create a truly purposeful and engaging space.
Pupils are at the heart of the project with a committee of children set up to share their thoughts and ideas.
Ms Griffin said the room will benefit their entire school community.
“It will be a resource for our students, providing a safe space to regulate, relax, explore and learn; our teachers and SNAs, giving them another valuable tool to support pupils' sensory and emotional needs and our parents and families, offering reassurance that their children have access to an environment designed around their wellbeing.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, included and ready to learn.”
Ms Griffin said the public’s support will help them build a space where children can take a breath when things become overwhelming, find their calm, develop confidence and return to their learning feeling supported.