AoC monthly spotlight: Cheshire College - South & West

Cheshire College - South & West has unveiled a new state-of-the-art sensory friendly area at its Crewe campus to provide a haven for students with neurodivergent conditions when they are feeling overwhelmed or needing a quiet space to self-regulate.

At least one in five people in the UK are thought to be neurodivergent. This means they may think, behave, and process information differently to ‘neurotypical’ people. For some this will mean that they have sensory differences. These differences mean that certain environments can cause sensory overload.

Crewe Campus is a vibrant place to study but some students had provided feedback that they had felt overwhelmed by the busy environment. The new sensory area was based on this feedback from students, who said that they can feel overwhelmed by noise and crowds on campus and felt like there was nowhere to go. For some, the impact of sensory overload is so significant it limits their ability to fully engage with college life.

The innovative sensory space, which features calming elements such as dimmable lighting, sensory egg chairs, rocking chairs, and a nature-inspired "Forest" mural, was co-produced by students and staff. T Level student Poppy Clarke developed the design concept for the space, and Thomas Robinson, a fellow T Level student, was behind the idea for the wall mural.

Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal at Cheshire College, said: “For some of our students, college can be an overwhelming place to be, and we want to do everything we can to minimise the impact that can have. Being able to provide a space on campus where students can go to remove themselves from the bustle of college is really important.

“We know that for many, just a short period of time can be enough to feel calmer and less overwhelmed, and this can make all the difference in their learning and help them to remain at college. We have listened to suggestions from students to make this a space that everyone can benefit from, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it’s used.”

The sensory space is part of the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting students with sensory and inclusion needs at college.

Greenbank Secondary School supported Cheshire College in the research stage, offering advice and their experience on what was likely to be needed to help students with sensory needs. Their pupils also visited to provide feedback for the project. As part of the project, over 100 college staff across all three campuses have also received training from the Cheshire East Autism team to further upskill and develop understanding of sensory needs.

The new sensory space was funded by the NHS Beyond Programme (Cheshire and Merseyside ICS' Children's Transformation Programme), which seeks to improve health and care outcomes for children and young people with emotional health and sensory needs.

Catherine Williams, Programme Manager, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust commented: “It was fantastic to visit the sensory space and see the impact the investment from the Beyond Programme, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside's Children and Young People's Transformation Programme, together with the hard work of the young people who designed the space, and the college."

She added: “I enjoyed hearing and seeing how the learners are using the space and how it fits into the wider inclusion work of the college and look forward to hearing about the longer-term impact on learners.”

There are identified quiet spaces at the Ellesmere Port and Chester campuses with the view to roll out the sensory project to all sites in the future.

The space was unveiled in the autumn term and is already having a positive impact on students.

Music Production student Jacob Smith described the new facility: “It’s a very good place to calm your emotions and to have a bit of down time.”

David Goodwin Journey who studies Independent Living added: “It is a very relaxing area, and it is very quiet. I enjoy going there.”

For more information on SEND support at Cheshire College, click here.