Multi-Sensory Curriculum Delivery

Multi-sensory groups are carefully planned and run by Zoe Williams, our Multi-
Sensory-Impairment (MSI) specialist Instructor, for learners who benefit from an
immersive, creative multi-sensory and total communication approach to curriculum delivery due to an impairment in more than one of their senses. Hearing and sight are the primary means of gaining information from the environment, particularly that beyond arm’s reach. Pupils with MSI are supported to interact with, and understand, the world around them by developing strategies for learning using information gained through senses such as touch and smell to supplement information usually gained from hearing or sight.

The groups focus upon communication and exploration, using resources and strategies that stimulate multiple senses at a time; this enables learners who have different lead senses to make links between experiences, and develop an ability over time, to understand, anticipate and control the events affecting them. Regular focus sessions across the week and in differing environments intend to provide key experiences to support generalisation of concepts, and meaningful experiences on which to build.

Examples of group activities include Music & Movement, Sensory Exploration, Sensory Art, Body Awareness, Big Top Music, Rebound Therapy, Hydrotherapy, and Massage. Social interaction opportunities, such as Spinning Tower and parachute games, which encourage choice making and develop communication of favourite activities are very popular with participants. Learners access our local community by going on walks, or out and about on the minibus to experience different sights and sounds in their environment and local attractions.

All of these groups take place with anywhere between 2 and 7 participants,
supported by familiar staff, providing opportunities to absorb their experiences,
and develop predictable, reliable, observable responses over time.