When a child reaches out and touches, shakes, squeezes or feels a resource designed to engage their senses, something magical happens. Through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity, sensory play invites learning, active engagement and helps to build the brain’s nerve connections. Sensory resources also set a tone for a culture of inclusion and acceptance, with the power to soothe, calm, strengthen focus and regulate moods.

Babies - exploring senses: For babies, sensory toys and play resources help them discover and develop their senses in a safe way. Think tactile and texture play, mirror play, music and sound exploration, soft books or black and white resources that stimulate vision and brain development without overstimulation.

Early childhood to school - stimulating sensory: In early childhood through to school, sensory resources play many roles. Sensory toys and play resources engage a young learner’s senses and promote cognitive, fine motor and gross motor skills, and support social and emotional learning. Think sensory games, liquid floor tiles, blocks, tubes, balls, stretchy slime, messy play and tactile activities.

Early childhood to school and beyond - calming, focus & self-regulating: Sensory resources also help children (and adults) manage sensory input, self-regulate and improve concentration, while helping educators to create a more inclusive learning environment. Think calming sensory, multisensory fidgets and manipulatives, visual support tools, light and dark dens, weighted resources, cushions and flexible seating.

It’s easy to build a sensory kit or a corner in your space. Here are a few types of resources to consider.

Sensory toys: Rattles, rings, stacking towers, sensory blocks, musical toys... designed to stimulate the senses and invite young ones to explore.

Visual & Auditory sensory: These resources support diverse learning styles and enhance classroom experiences.

Messy play: Embrace the mess! Think sensory bins filled with sand, feathers or slime, a mud kitchen or a tactile shape sorting kit.

Tactile sensory: From squishy balls to silky fabrics, there's something for every touch sensation.

Light, dark & colour play: Interactive light tables, fibre optics or glow-in-the-dark materials add a magical touch and create a sense of wonder.

Handheld fidgets: Multisensory fidgets and manipulatives help with different sensory needs. Children can pop or squish to help concentrate and learn.

Calming resources: From weighted blankets to sensory pods, calming sensory resources help children become more focused and self-regulated.

Sensory processing: Resources for sensory integration allow children to process information via their senses, organise it accordingly and respond to it appropriately.

Sensory-informed environments can play a powerful role in supporting whole-school wellbeing. Thoughtfully designed spaces and tools help reduce behavioural escalation, strengthen inclusive practice, build staff confidence and create calm, supportive learning environments. While sensory exploration is fundamental in early childhood, sensory support is not limited to the early years. Many primary and secondary students also benefit from strategies and resources that enhance regulation, focus and overall wellbeing throughout their learning journey.