A Nottingham secondary school has won praise from students for making mealtimes easier for the whole community with a new inclusive ‘sensory-friendly’ dining hall that reduces noise and glare.
The Wells Academy in Mapperley has made a raft of changes to its dining hall including installing noise-reducing acoustic panels, re-painting walls in calmer colours and introducing softer lighting to cut down on harsh glare.
The academy on Ransom Drive opened its new dining hall at the start of this term.
The space has been created in consultation with the autism team at Nottingham City Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Services which conducted a “sensory audit” amongst students.
After learning how some students were becoming overwhelmed with the noise levels – a particularly common problem in busy environments for people with neurodiverse conditions such as autism – the school has taken steps to put in adjustments to its dining hall that have been very well received by students and staff.
Along with acoustic panels to absorb sound, the previously white walls have been replaced with a calming colour scheme and furniture re-arranged in response to feedback from students who felt some areas were cramped.
A new layout includes different seating options to allow students to choose an environment that suits their needs. Some areas are positioned near windows so that students who prefer to sit quietly and enjoy views of the greenery can do so, while other areas are geared for those who want social interaction and group dining.
Softer lighting to reduce glare and create a more comfortable and relaxing environment has been introduced, while clearly defined zones have been made through the flooring to make distinct queuing and dining zones, with the aim of making the space easier to navigate.
Entrance and exit areas have been opened up to improve movement and reduce congestion, making it easier for everyone to enter, leave and move around the dining hall.
Principal George Coles said inclusion was at the heart of the changes and the new dining hall was a big hit with students and staff.
One student reported: “I love how quiet it is now. It’s a lot calmer”; another said: “It feels bigger and there’s more space so I can sit and chat to all of my friends.” A third student told teachers: “It feels so much warmer and more friendly!”
Mr Coles said: “Inclusion is very important to us at The Wells Academy and we strive to create an environment that allows each and every student to achieve their best, every day.
“Lunch times can be stressful for students who are having to navigate a noisy environment which may not suit their needs. We were very happy to work with Nottingham City Council on making adjustments to our dining hall and we are delighted with how well the new space has been received. We have also made some additions to our menu. Overall, the changes we’ve made provide students with greater choice, comfort and flexibility.”
The Wells Academy’s new dining hall comes as the Government have launched a major drive to include more children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in mainstream education. All mainstream schools must now design accessible learning and supportive environments, and publish an inclusion strategy on their website by the end of the year.
Orla Mills, from Nottingham City council’s Autism Team, who worked with The Wells Academy on their dining hall, said: “It was a pleasure to support The Wells Academy in reviewing their dining hall as a sensory environment. Alongside conducting a sensory audit, I gathered the views of students who regularly access the space, as well as those who did not feel able to, with a range of perspectives informing my recommendations. Students highlighted the impact of stimuli such as noise and visual glare so measures to manage this were considered by school. I am delighted that the adaptations implemented by school have been so positively received and that student experience has been improved. Nottingham City Council’s Specialist Services are committed to working with all schools to promote inclusion by design and we are delighted that The Wells Academy collaborated with us in this.”
The Wells Academy is holding three open mornings for prospective families who will be able to see the new dining hall along with other areas of the school. These are being held on Wednesday September 30, Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2. Contact the school to book a space.
