St Pauls Primary School

Kealba, VIC

St Paul’s School partnered with Ability Space to help students manage sensory input. Their new distraction-free well-being room has created a more focused, regulated and happy group of students, better able to learn, socialize, and thrive.

The purpose-built space teaches self-regulation, mindfulness, and stress management, helping students build resilience and emotional well-being. St Paul’s success shows how sensory spaces can improve both well-being and academic performance.

Comments from our client

Belinda

Learning Diversity Leader

How would you describe the Aesthetic and Functional aspects of your Sensory Room?

The Aesthetic and Functional aspects of our Pod includes:

The area has a comfortable mat, beanbags, and low lighting for de-escalation and relaxation
It has different objects to touch and manipulate
We have the ability to control the light, sound, and even the temperature. This allows us to tailor the environment to what their body is seeking at that moment, whether they need to be calmed or stimulated.

What benefits do you see with your students after using your sensory room?

The sensory room acts as a preventative and a therapeutic tool. It doesn’t just treat the symptoms of over-stimulation or under-stimulation; it addresses the root cause by helping students manage their sensory input.

This leads to a more regulated, focused, and happy student who is better equipped to learn, socialize, and thrive in their academic environment.

What was the reason for creating a sensory wellbeing space for your students?

Students, especially those who are neurodivergent, often struggle to regulate their senses in a typical classroom. The environment can be overstimulating, with too much noise and visual chaos, or it can be under-stimulating, leaving them needing more sensory input.
A student’s ability to learn is directly linked to their state of regulation.

If they are dysregulated, they can’t focus on schoolwork. This is why we created a sensory room: to provide a space where all students can get the support they need to learn.
The room helps by:

Increasing attention and concentration: By addressing a student’s sensory needs, the room helps them filter out distractions and focus better during class.
Reducing disruptive behaviors: When students have a proper outlet for their sensory needs, they’re less likely to act out in ways that disrupt their own learning and that of their classmates.

A student’s ability to learn depends on their state of regulation.