The Grange P-12 College has set up a sensory and learning space named the Rainbow Room that features a bubble tube which changes colour, a starlight roof and an interactive projector which projects games onto the floor.
The room is part of the school’s Callistemon campus in Hoppers Crossing.
Campus assistant principal Jodie Wright said the school was also planning to install a tactile Australia map wall and blackout curtains.
Ms Wright said that in 2021, the college implemented a year 3-6 learning and engagement program called Gold Room to support pupils who were significantly behind in their learning and who also needed social and emotional support.
“We wanted to expand this to prep – year 2 in 2022 and knew that we would have students coming in to prep that would have had limited to no kindergarten experience due to COVID disruptions over the past two years,” she said.
“We wanted to create a safe space for students to be able to develop skills and independence in regulating their emotions whilst also promoting a safe learning space.
“Students have loved attending Rainbow Room and it is a sought out space for all students – and staff.”
Ms Wright said four groups of pupils are using the Rainbow Row, including the Meerkat and Giraffe groups that attend a literacy program
“Lion group attends for social skills and development and use board games and cooperative games to build skills,” she added.
“Students are also using the room during lunch breaks as a safe space for students who may struggle in the yard.”
