Ambitious About Autism’s Spring School Opens New Sensory Cubbie
SurreyAcross the UK, a shortage of specialist school placements means too many children with autism miss out on the education they deserve. Ambitious about Autism’s mission is to stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights, and create opportunities. They provide expert autism education in their London-based schools and college, as well as offering wide-ranging support beyond the classroom.
Wooden Spoon Surrey granted £20,000 for a Sensory Room at Ambitious about Autism’s Spring School, Kingston.
Children and young people with autism often have difficulty processing information, which can lead to sensory overload and severe anxiety. Sensory regulation is not only important for the young person’s well-being but also enables them to learn.
Wooden Spoon provided funds for a break-out space called The Cubbie, an immersive sensory experience. The school is short of space, and The Cubbie offers a compact solution for pupils who need to regulate and reset away from others. Students have their own login with specific programmes. For example, if a child is interested in nature, their programme will have a nature theme.
The project was opened by GB rugby 7s star Marcus Watson:
“The Cubbie is awesome. I really like the idea; it’s going pretty well with the kids, which is great to hear.”
Executive Head Andy Nowak added:
“We have children here who weren’t happy in their other school placements; mainstream school doesn’t work for them.
“We try to create a nurturing, inclusive environment, but we’re doing that in a building that wasn’t designed for us.”
The Cubbie fits into a small space in the existing school. Andy continues:
“We have lots of young people who use it for their everyday routine and regulation. The kids love it. It makes a difference every day of the week.”
