Support Services & Sensory
The Nurture Centre is dedicated to providing exceptional support and care for young people with special needs and their families. We cater to young people aged 16+, offering a range of services including school holiday sessions, family support, sensory room experiences, home support, and inclusive activities in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our mission is to combat ignorance and prejudice faced by individuals with special needs by promoting awareness and understanding. We create opportunities for children to engage socially, receive care, and enjoy educational and physical activities in a fun and stimulating atmosphere. Our passionate and experienced team is committed to bringing joy and enrichment into the lives of young people.
Sensory vs Traditional Classroom
Sensory rooms and traditional classrooms have fundamentally different approaches to learning, each tailored to meet specific needs. Here are the key differences:
Environment
Sensory Rooms:
Designed to be calming and stimulating, sensory rooms often feature soft lighting, soothing colors, and a variety of sensory tools (like textured surfaces, auditory devices, and visual displays). This environment promotes relaxation and exploration.
Traditional Classrooms:
Typically structured with desks, chairs, and a focus on academic learning. The environment is often more rigid and may not provide the sensory stimulation needed for children with special needs.
Focus on Sensory Engagement
Sensory Rooms:
Prioritize sensory exploration and engagement. Activities are designed to stimulate the senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and movement), helping children process sensory information and develop coping mechanisms.
Traditional Classrooms:
Focus primarily on cognitive skills and academic subjects, often using lectures, reading, and written assignments as the main methods of instruction.
Learning Styles:
Sensory Rooms:
Cater to diverse learning styles, particularly for children who may struggle with traditional learning methods. The activities are often hands-on and experiential, allowing for exploration and discovery.
Traditional Classrooms:
Typically cater to auditory and visual learners, with a more standardised approach to teaching that may not resonate with all students, especially those with special needs.
Flexibility and Structure
Sensory Rooms:
Provide a flexible space where children can choose activities based on their needs and preferences. The lack of strict structure allows for individualized learning experiences.
Traditional Classrooms:
Usually follow a set curriculum with specific objectives and time constraints, which may not accommodate the unique needs of every student.
Social Interaction
Sensory Rooms:
Encourage social play and interaction in a relaxed setting, allowing children to engage with peers without the pressures of traditional classroom dynamics.
Traditional Classrooms:
While they do promote social interaction, the focus on academic performance and behavior can create a more competitive atmosphere that may hinder some children's social development.
Outcome Goals
Sensory Rooms:
Aim to enhance overall well-being, sensory integration, and emotional regulation, with learning as a secondary benefit.
Traditional Classrooms:
Focus on academic achievement, knowledge acquisition, and skill development within a structured curriculum.
Therapeutic Focus
Sensory Rooms:
Often integrate therapeutic practices into the learning experience, helping children develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and sensory processing skills.
Traditional Classrooms:
Primarily concentrated on academic achievement, with less emphasis on emotional and sensory needs unless specific accommodations are made.
In summary, sensory rooms provide a more holistic, flexible, and sensory-rich approach to learning, particularly beneficial for children with special needs, while traditional classrooms emphasize structured academic learning within a more rigid environment.