A Mansfield school has opened an immersive space designed to support students’ wellbeing, in particular those with autism and neurodiversity.

Samworth Church Academy’s Cubbie was designed by husband-and-wife team David and Diane McIntyre.

They want to support autistic children within education through personalised sensory regulation (PSR), developing an immersive space with sound and vision tailored to suit each student. Results show that students are usually able to return to their classrooms quicker following its use.

The Cubbie was bought using funding from the Opportunity Trust, which was founded by the academy’s sponsors, Sir David Samworth and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. The trust supports the work of the school by providing funds to enhance activities not normally part of the educational provision or to support students to take part in activities that they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Academy student Jack Durose said: “I use the Cubbie when I feel upset about something. It helps by giving me time to think by myself and to calm down.

“I like it because there are many options to use. One of my favourites is the Japanese Garden, which is a waterfall with cherry blossom trees and little bugs around water. The lights can change colour and I like using ocean blue. I sit on a swing chair and gently rock. I also like to imagine and change the song to one I recognise, which is fun.”

Katie Hawksley, assistant SEN and disabilities coordinator at the academy, said: “Cubbie is not just for special educational needs and disability (SEND) students, it’s for everyone. So far, Cubbie has had a positive impact on more than just our neurodiverse students, it is also supporting our neurotypical students.

“It is able to support any student experiencing stress and is already having positive impact on student mental health.”

Adam Cave, SEN and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO) at the academy, added: “Use of the Cubbie is allowing dysregulated students to spend more time in lessons and less time sensory seeking, or avoiding areas round the building that they find more stressful.

“Students feel supported with options specific to their own needs, for example if they need to be calmed down, or alternatively, become more alert, by using the Cubbie’s options to find that balance.”

Adam says that helping students to regulate is a labour-intensive process within any school, especially following the period of uncertainty created by the pandemic.

“Cubbie is cutting this time down significantly,” he added. “As a school, we are looking forward to exploring the personalised profiles that students can set up, enabling us to build in these ‘sensory breaks’ consistently, as is suggested by the linked occupation therapist that Cubbie provides.

“We are hoping that the Cubbie’s use will become more widespread within our school community, including times like the mock exam season, to support any student experiencing stress.”

Jonathan Slobom, Cubbie marketing director, who attended the opening, said: “I was impressed by the commitment staff show towards supporting and caring for students.

“At Cubbie we are passionate about supporting schools and removing barriers to learning for all. We hope that Samworth Church Academy continues to benefit from use of the Cubbie, improving participation of students and supporting the wellbeing of the whole school community.”