Transforming SEND Education with Immersive Technology

At Sensory Guru, we are committed to developing assistive technology and immersive learning environments that enhance education for students with complex needs. Our partnership with West Oaks School shows how innovative technology can transform education for pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), autistic spectrum conditions (ASC), and other complex needs.

A Decade of Innovation in Inclusive Learning

West Oaks School, a five-time OFSTED recognised institution for excellence, has been using Sensory Guru's technology for over a decade. Their investment in interactive learning environments, three immersive zones and five Magic Room classrooms across their three sites, demonstrates their commitment to providing students with the best possible learning experience.

According to Headteacher Andrew Hodkinson, the collaboration with Sensory Guru has been transformational, enhancing engagement and accessibility for students through immersive learning.

How Technology Is Enhancing Learning at West Oaks

West Oaks has embraced Sensory Guru's technology across all five learning pathways for different student needs. Their classrooms and interactive zones integrate Magic Carpet, Magic Mirror, and Magic Room to encourage movement, interaction, and engagement.

Some of the ways these tools are changing the learning experience include:

• Encouraging movement: Interactive projection technology, such as the Magic Carpet, invites pupils to explore and engage with their environment.

• Fostering interaction: Sensory-based activities like the Magic Mirror support communication, play, and social development.

• Creating meaningful learning experiences: Customisable themed lessons such as "Underwater World", "Reindeer Rave", and "Into Space" bring education to life using Magic Room.

• Blending therapy and learning: By embedding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), occupational therapy, and sensory stimulation into daily lessons, these tools ensure that interventions are not just parallel strands but actively contribute to student development.

Scaling Up: Expanding Immersive Learning Across West Oaks

West Oaks is not stopping at five Magic Room installations. Over the next two years, they plan to roll out an additional fifteen to twenty systems, so more students can benefit from immersive, sensory-rich learning experiences.

Andrew Hodkinson highlights the importance of staying on the cutting edge of assistive technology and is excited about the next wave of innovations Sensory Guru is developing.

Bringing the Future of SEND Education to More Schools

For schools, educators, and multidisciplinary teams, the West Oaks partnership shows how technology can bridge the gap between learning, therapy, and communication. The future of SEND education aligns with the UK SEND Code of Practice 0 to 25, which emphasises inclusion and learner-centred support, and Sensory Guru is proud to lead the way.

If your school is considering how immersive learning and assistive technology can benefit students, get in touch with Sensory Guru today.

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