We ask teachers at Willows School what impact their new soft play sensory area had on the pupils.

1. Have you seen any benefits or improvements in the children's behaviour?
The soft play room has only been in operation for a few weeks and so full benefits and improvements are still to be seen. In the short term there have been less pupils missing play and lunchtimes (due to minutes) as they want to have time in the play room. Therefore, the fantastic set up of the play room does appear to encourage ‘good behaviour’ through the reward systems we use at The Willows.

2. How many children are at the school? Do all of them use the equipment?
There are approximately 38 pupils currently at the school. All pupils have had the opportunity to use the equipment. The ages of children range from nursery (4 years) to year 6 (10-11 years) and is greatly received by all of our pupils.

3. What impact has the area had on the children/parents?
The pupils thoroughly enjoy using the equipment and it has enabled them to learn to play successfully with others in a very exciting environment. We run parents’ groups and the soft play room plays a key role in encouraging parents to interact with their children through activities of play. The interactive system (IRIS) is in is very early stages with staff being trained on how integrate the cube both for fun and learning goals.

4. Is there anything you feel would improve the area?
The only issue (which we knew would be) is that when pupils are having a problem they often run to this area and it is then difficult to get them out. Since there are limited fire exits in the school the soft play room door is kept open at all times, and is very inviting for children who are not able to join in with learning. This is however only a minor issue and we are planning ways of deterring those pupils from entering outside of their times.