Charlton Park Academy Showcases Inclusive Innovation with Magic Room

At Charlton Park Academy, innovation meets inclusivity through the transformative use of Magic Room technology. In a newly released 3-minute video, the school’s staff and pupils showcase how this immersive sensory environment is enhancing pupil engagement, communication, and sensory development. With insights from educators and contributions from Sensory Guru’s CEO, Lee Blemings, the video captures the real-world impact of cutting-edge assistive technology in the classroom.

Magic Room is a flexible, interactive system designed to engage pupils with diverse needs by integrating sensory experiences, assistive technology, and communication tools. At Charlton Park Academy, it has become a cornerstone of their approach to teaching students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and other complex needs. The video highlights how this technology is changing the learning experience for both staff and pupils, creating an environment where every moment is an opportunity to explore, learn, and connect.

Engaging Moments with Staff and Pupils

The video features several poignant scenes of pupils actively engaging with the Magic Room. From interactive music sessions to sensory storytelling, every activity is thoughtfully designed to support individual learning and communication goals. One particularly powerful moment showcases pupils using assistive technology to interact with their learning and control the environment—empowering them to take an active role in their education. Another scene highlights how PMLD pupils use interactive visuals to explore feelings and emotions in a dynamic, engaging way.

Insights from Educators

The video includes valuable contributions from key educators at Charlton Park Academy, each sharing their perspective on how Magic Room has transformed teaching and learning:

• Tara Howarth, Head of PMLD, discusses how the immersive environment supports students with profound learning disabilities by offering tailored sensory experiences that promote emotional regulation and engagement.
• Kathryn Stowell, Head of CENMAC, shares how assistive technology tools like AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices integrated with Magic Room enable students to communicate more effectively and participate actively in lessons.
• Bryher Pennells MBE, SEND Teacher, reflects on the impact of sensory storytelling, where pupils use AAC devices to talk about and interact with the narrative, making learning both interactive and meaningful.
• James Ddambe, Music Educator, highlights the benefits of interactive music sessions, where pupils use motion tracking and speech control to create music and visuals, fostering creativity and confidence.

Expert Commentary from Sensory Guru

Lee Blemings, CEO of Sensory Guru, also features in the video, providing insight into the development of Magic Room and its far-reaching benefits. Lee explains how the system’s flexibility allows educators to tailor activities to the specific needs of their pupils, whether that means enabling speech control to make objects appear, using AAC devices for interaction, or creating calming sensory experiences for emotional support.

Enhancing Inclusion Through Technology

Magic Room doesn’t just enhance engagement; it promotes inclusion. Pupils with limited mobility or communication abilities are empowered to control their environment, express themselves, and actively participate in group learning activities. By bridging the gap between assistive technology, sensory stimulation, and immersive learning, Charlton Park Academy is paving the way for inclusive education that meets the needs of every pupil.

A Glimpse into the Future of Learning

The Charlton Park Academy case study demonstrates the incredible potential of combining immersive sensory technology with innovative teaching practices. As educators and students at the school continue to explore the possibilities of Magic Room, the future of inclusive education looks brighter than ever.

Watch the full video to see how Charlton Park Academy is transforming learning experiences and empowering pupils through Magic Room technology. Learn more about inclusive solutions such as the Magic Carpet and Magic Mirror, or contact us to discuss how these tools could benefit your school. For wider context on SEND education, see the OFSTED framework and the SEND Code of Practice.