St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School has transformed unused areas of its 1950s building into two vibrant spaces dedicated to supporting children with additional needs and promoting their wellbeing.
Led by emotional literacy support assistant (ELSA) Mrs Maria Langan, with the help of teaching assistants and SENCO Mrs Clare Dyas-Ward, the school has created a sensory corridor and a welcoming wellbeing room called the Rainbow Room.
These spaces have been designed with creativity and care to provide children with a safe, nurturing environment where they can feel supported and understood. The Rainbow Room offers a calming space for mental health, social and emotional support, while the sensory corridor engages and soothes children with additional needs.
Mrs Langan shared: “Our goal was to create spaces where every child feels valued and supported. The Rainbow Room and sensory corridor are already making a big difference, helping us provide tailored interventions for those who need them most.”
This project has been a true community effort. The school raised over £350 through a toy sale, received support from the parent-teacher association and welcomed donations from local business Reprocity. Mrs Langan and her colleague Julie also gave their own time to painting, decorating and fundraising.
The school is now appealing for help to enhance these spaces further by purchasing sensory equipment, such as lights, lamps and a weighted blanket, to create an even more engaging and supportive environment.
Mrs Clare Dyas-Ward said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but much of it has been self-funded. We’re now reaching out to local businesses and the wider community to help us take this project to the next level.”
Headteacher Mr Alex Turner added: “The sensory corridor and Rainbow Room are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team. They reflect our commitment to ensuring every child feels cared for, valued and supported. This project highlights the power of community and the incredible impact we can achieve when we work together for our children’s wellbeing.”
This initiative is a shining example of our commitment to nurturing the whole child and ensuring every pupil feels supported to thrive.
If you would like to support St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and help them enhance these wonderful spaces, please contact: schooloffice@stjosephs-birkenhead.wirral.sch.uk.
