To ask the Minister of Education whether there is a Department-approved criteria defining (i) what a sensory room is; and (ii) what a sensory room contains.

The term “sensory room” is not formally defined by my Department. A sensory room is a withdrawal space used for children and young people with sensory processing disorders, or cognitive conditions who may become dysregulated. The room utilises a range of audio, physical and visual sensory stimuli.

Equipment for a sensory room is normally requested to meet the specific needs of the child/children that will use the space by health professionals, or special educational needs staff.