A BRAND new sensory experience for youngsters has launched at Stratford Library.
The library, in Henley Street, boasts an array of new sensory resources geared at children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which were demonstrated at a celebratory launch event.
These include a motion activated floor projector which displays shapes and movements to look at, a tactile wall panel which features spinning wheels, textured surfaces, toggles to pull and mirrors to look in, a mini soft-play den lined with fibre optic carpet for children to look inside and become immersed in the twinkling lights, as well as tactile books, individual sensory toys, darkened lighting, and a bubble wall.
Sensory play is recognised as one of the most important methods of educating all children from an early age, as our senses are how we learn about the world around us and our relationship to it.
However, a person with additional needs such as autism, learning disabilities, or sensory impairments may have more difficulty with this which can impact their personal development.
Sensory play can make a huge positive difference, as it can help to build nerve connections in the brain, develop speech and language skills by engaging with the environment, and be a great way to calm anxiety and improve focus.
WCC spokesperson Coun Yousef Dahmash said: “Sensory play is crucial for all children’s development, and particularly those with additional needs. Warwickshire’s libraries are for everyone, and child friendly spaces have made significant strides in offering sensory resources to entertain, energise or calm those who might otherwise find being in a library challenging. By embracing sensory support as part of our child friendly offer in Warwickshire Libraries, we not only cater for a very broad range of needs but also enhance the overall library experience for all of our valued customers.”
