In early 2024 The Special Lioness finally made a dream come true, taking a huge leap to launch their very own sensory room with a difference
Sensory Garden
IIn a little patch of dirt, a dream begins to grow, A garden full of wonder, where joy will overflow. A place where every child, no matter what their need, Can find a world of magic, where hearts and minds are freed.
A swing that soars to skies, with laughter in its flight, A sandpit at the perfect height, where castles reach new heights. A water table splashes, cool and crystal clear, Inviting little hands to play, and bring the ocean near.
A wall of vibrant music, where melodies take wing, With drums and chimes and xylophones, the air begins to sing. Each note a burst of color, each sound a joyful cheer, Creating symphonies of smiles, for every child to hear.
In this jungle-themed oasis, where animals abound, Lions roar and monkeys swing, and friendships can be found. Each creature tells a story, each plant a tale to share, In a space where learning blossoms, and kindness fills the air.
Here, in this special garden, every child can play, In a world that’s built for everyone, where dreams come true each day. A haven of inclusion, where love and laughter blend, A sensory adventure, where every child finds a friend.
Rainforest and garden together
In a small, close-knit charity, a group of dedicated mothers, each with a child who had special needs, came together with a shared dream. They envisioned a place where their children could play, explore, and learn, regardless of their abilities. These mothers, bound by love and determination, decided to create a bespoke play space and garden that would cater to every child’s unique needs.
They began by brainstorming ideas, each mother contributing her own experiences and insights. They wanted a space that would transport children to a magical world, filled with sights and sounds that would ignite their imaginations. They envisioned a sensory plant wall, adorned with twinkling lights, vibrant flowers, and creative textures that would captivate the senses.
One of the mothers suggested an infinity tree, a structure designed to give even the most vulnerable child the feeling of climbing a tree. It would be a safe and secure way for children to experience the joy of reaching new heights. Another mother proposed a fidget wall, filled with tactile elements that children could touch and manipulate, providing endless sensory stimulation.
They also included a mirrored space, where children could explore their reflections and develop a sense of self-awareness. A quiet story corner was added, a cozy nook where children could escape into the world of books and let their imaginations soar. The unique sensory pod, equipped with mesmerizing lights, offered a tranquil space for daydreaming and relaxation.
The mothers didn’t stop there. They designed a level access outside sensory garden, ensuring that children in wheelchairs could easily navigate the space. The garden was filled with musical instruments, inviting children to create their own symphonies. A wheelchair-height sandpit and water table allowed every child to engage in tactile play. A swing provided the thrill of movement, while chalkboards encouraged creativity and expression.
At the heart of the garden stood a tipi, a cozy hideaway in front of a gentle waterfall. The sound of cascading water added to the serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for children to gather and form friendships.
As the garden took shape, the community rallied around the project. A local charitable foundation; The Reece Foundation granted the funds to cover this new outside space, covering the costs of materials and equipment, and the mothers worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. When the garden was finally complete, it was a testament to the power of love, collaboration, and determination.
On the day of the grand opening, the garden was filled with laughter and joy. Children explored every corner, their faces lighting up with wonder and delight. The mothers watched with pride, knowing that they had created a space where every child could play, learn, and grow. It was a place where imaginations could run wild, friendships could blossom, and every child, no matter their ability, could feel truly special
So many sensory rooms are just bubble tubes and some string lights. It’s a calming and relaxing place but it’s not an engaging and stimulating experience. It isn’t a place that offers new or engaging multi-sensory input.
So as The Special Lioness do best, we saw a gap and filled it! With our bespoke engaging fully immersive Roaring Rainforest. It's a unique space to delight the senses, stimulate little minds and explore a fantastic fully tactile rainforest
A magical waterfall lights the way to the jungle wall hiding sneaky creatures for inquisitive fingers to explore
The enchanting infinity tree with its secret nooks and crannies to explore gives way to imagination and communication
The noisy mirror wall provides a new way to view our rainforest world with beautiful lights and fascinating angles
Or take a break to explore the flashing lights, cold tinfoil and UV sparkles of our dark pod
With safe and comfortable space to lay, sit and toddle in a captivating space that really does ignite the imagination and feed the senses
Complete with a mobile hoist and changing table suitable for upto 140kg we really have thought of everything to ensure that everyone can enjoy and get the most out of our wonderful enchanting space, giving the best to our children to get the best from them