Shades of Engagement

Mountfield Heath School

Exploring the impact of a sensory-friendly learning environment

Mountfield Heath School explored whether changing the physical conditions in which pupils learn could improve regulation, engagement and peer interaction.

One classroom was repainted using a low-arousal, autism-friendly colour palette, and a calm corner with soft furnishings was introduced. Education staff, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, school leaders, pupils and families contributed to the inquiry.

All pupils observed showed increased engagement following the environmental changes. The strongest gains were seen alongside improved regulation, calmer use of space, more sustained attention and increased shared interaction. The findings provided the school with evidence to inform wider planning for sensory-friendly environments.

Key insight: The environment is not decoration. It is a condition for regulation, engagement and learning.

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