Donemana Primary School, Donemana, Co Tyrone

A Dream Come True: Our New Sensory Space

23rd Mar 2026

We are absolutely delighted to share some wonderful news with our school community — our much-needed sensory space is now a reality!

This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generosity, dedication, and belief of our Family and Friends Association and funders (The Halifax Foundation for NI and The Honourable The Irish Society), whose support has quite literally transformed an idea into something tangible and life-changing for our pupils. Your commitment to improving the wellbeing and inclusion of every child in our school is truly inspiring, and we are deeply grateful.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the design team at Learning Space, who worked so thoughtfully and creatively with us to bring this vision to life.  Every detail has been considered to ensure the space is welcoming, supportive, and engaging. You have helped turn a dream into something truly special.

The sensory space is designed to support children in developing self-regulation, reducing anxiety, and finding calm when they need it most. Research consistently highlights the importance of such environments. For example, studies in child development and occupational therapy show that sensory-friendly spaces can help children regulate their emotions, improve focus, and enhance their readiness to learn. 

Another widely recognised benefit is that these spaces allow children to take proactive control of their wellbeing. When children are given access to calming, structured sensory input, they are better able to return to the classroom feeling settled, confident, and ready to engage.

While we are excited to share photos of the new space, we have to say — they simply don’t do it justice. The atmosphere, the sense of calm, and the joy on children’s faces when they use the room must be experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated.

This sensory space represents more than just a room — it is a powerful statement about our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and supporting every child to thrive.

To our Family and Friends Association, funders, and design team: thank you for making such a meaningful difference to our school community.