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Charlton Park Academy – Magic Room Video Case Study
January 28, 2025
At Sensory Guru, we are committed to developing assistive technology and immersive environments that enhance learning for students with complex needs. Our partnership with West Oaks School is a testament to 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 invites pupils to explore and engage with their environment.
- Fostering interaction – Sensory-based activities 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.
- 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 15 to 20 Magic Room systems, ensuring more students can benefit from immersive, sensory-rich learning experiences.
Andrew Hodkinson highlights the importance of staying on the cutting edge of assistive technology, expressing excitement 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 showcases how technology can bridge the gap between learning, therapy, and communication. The future of SEND education lies in seamlessly integrating assistive technology into everyday learning, and Sensory Guru is proud to lead the way.
If your school is considering how immersive learning and assistive technology can benefit students, Sensory Guru is here to help.
To learn more about how we can work together to create inclusive, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences, get in touch with Sensory Guru today.