Becoming a Sensory Aware School A Toolkit to Develop a Whole School Approach for Sensory Wellbeing

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - What is a Sensory Aware School?                                                                                    

Chapter 3 - Understanding our sensory world

Chapter 4 - You are a sensory individual

Chapter 5 - Recognising and responding to sensory needs

Chapter 6 - Developing your sensory curriculum

Chapter 7 - The Sensory Aware School environment 

Chapter 8 - Whole school approach to becoming a Sensory Aware School

Chapter 9 Conclusion and next steps                                                            

Further reading and resources

Biography

Alice Hoyle is a wellbeing education consultant specialising in Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RSHE). She is a neurodivergent (ND) mum supporting varying levels of sensory needs in her ND family. Having worked in schools as a teacher, Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) lead, Youth Worker and Local Education Authority (LEA) Education Adviser for two decades, she is very aware how sensory needs are hugely misunderstood and neglected across many mainstream schools.

Tessa Hyde is an Occupational Therapist with nearly 40 years of experience working in the UK National Health Service (NHS) and independent sector. She works with schools and families to assess, identify and support the sensory and physical motor co-ordination needs of school aged children. Tessa has a wealth of knowledge and strategies to support co-ordination and sensory needs at home and at school.

Alice and Tessa were neighbours for 10 years. This book was created after Tessa led a successful assessment on one of Alice’s daughters, where the suggested strategies were transformative.

"This is an absolutely fantastic resource; I was entranced by all of the amazing activities and how incredibly useful they are. I love the visuals, and the cat food session had me squirming! I think this toolkit will make such a difference in raising awareness and understanding as well as making necessary changes to sensory wellbeing in schools." 

Jane De Ste Croix, Principal Educational Psychologist, Bath and North East Somerset

“Becoming a Sensory Aware School offers practical strategies and compassionate approaches to create a more inclusive and effective learning space for all students. This book provides educators with the tools they need to support every student’s sensory journey. From understanding sensory processing to implementing sensory-friendly classroom designs and lesson plans to support students’ sensory understanding, it covers all essential aspects. Additionally, it challenges you to reflect on your own sensory preferences and wellbeing. Perfect for teachers and teaching assistants, Becoming a Sensory Aware School is a must-read for anyone committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive.”

Beth Smithson, Sensory Inclusive Schools, Sensory Integration Education

"Any education practitioner who has stepped foot in a school in the last five years will be aware of the importance of supporting the sensory needs of our learners (and our staff!), yet it's an area which is so often misunderstood. Luckily, Alice Hoyle and Tessa Hyde, who share a wealth of education experience - including as teacher and occupational therapist - have come to our rescue! [...] The book uses clear explanations and examples to develop skills in recognising and responding to sensory needs and it pragmatically sets out a multiture of strategies and resources which are easy-to-implement [...]. All in all, this is a much-needed toolkit which offers a fresh perspective on an important topic."

Ffion Robinson, nasen Connect, February 2025