A SCHOOL has opened a sensory room after two years of hard work to provide the facility for its own pupils and children from surrounding schools.

Joanne Wills, the special educational needs coordinator at St Mary's RC Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, realised there was a need for a sensory room in the community.

She took the idea back to the school in September 2019 and pupils, parents and staff launched a campaign to create the space at St Mary's Primary.

Fundraising was supported by donations from GAMP (Great Aycliffe Middridge Partnership), Community Spirit, Tesco, the late Honest John, St Mary’s Mini Police team and at an event, at ROF 59 in 2019.

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Covid 19 slowed the project but work eventually began in August this year and Miss Wills captured the progress that made during the summer holidays so children could see it being developed.

The new sensory pod at St. Marys Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, with Jessie and Tommy-Lee. Picture Paul Norris

The new sensory pod at St. Marys Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, with Jessie and Tommy-Lee. Picture Paul Norris

Mayoress Sandra Haig, Inspector Sarah Honeyman, Councillor Jim Atkinson and Joanne Wills at the opening event

Mayoress Sandra Haig, Inspector Sarah Honeyman, Councillor Jim Atkinson and Joanne Wills at the opening event

Earlier this month there was a grand opening of the facility, officiated by the Mayor of Great Aycliffe Sandra Haigh, neighbourhood police Inspector Sarah Honeyman, Councillor Atkinson and Miss Joanne wills the SENDCo and Inclusion Lead at St Mary’s.

Miss Wills said the facility will help all children, not just those with additional needs, especially after having to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

She said: "The Sensory Pod as it is named, is and eco-friendly building with a wind turbine, solar panels and water butt to collect water for the school vegetable garden will provide support for individuals in a variety of ways ranging from enhancing learning through play; improving balance, movement and spatial orientation; developing communication skills; de-stressing; improving focus and promoting socialisation.

"The children and staff at St Mary’s are so proud to have this facility to offer to neighbouring schools to support the wider school community."

St Marys Primary School pupil Noah Picture: PAUL NORRIS

St Mary's Primary School pupil Noah Picture: PAUL NORRIS

Jessie in the new sensory pod at St Marys Primary School, Newton Aycliffe Pictures: PAUL NORRIS

Jessie in the new sensory pod at St Mary's Primary School, Newton Aycliffe Pictures: PAUL NORRIS

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