A NEW sensory room will be built in a Reading nursery that helps children with additional needs, thanks to a special grant.
The John Sykes Foundation has gifted £2,500 towards the re-development of a facility at Dingley’s Promise in Kennet Walk.
The charity’s sensory rooms play a key role in enhancing the learning experience by providing a therapeutic and stimulating environment.
It will have cutting-edge sensory equipment designed to cater to the diverse needs of the children attending the nursery.
This includes interactive lighting, tactile surfaces, and immersive audiovisual elements that create a multi-sensory experience tailored to each child’s developmental requirements.
The donation will be doubled through Dingley’s Promise confirmed match funding campaign, The Big Give, which increases the grant to £5,000.
John Sykes Foundation said the contribution reflects its commitment to supporting initiatives that directly impact the lives of children facing unique challenges.
“We are proud to partner with Dingley’s Promise once again to create a space that fosters a positive and enriching learning environment for these exceptional children,” Mr Sykes said.
“Our Foundation is dedicated to making a lasting impact, and we believe that investing in the well-being and development of these young minds is a step towards a more inclusive future.
“This is the second grant that the Foundation has awarded to Dingley’s Promise, following a grant in September 2021 which funded 12 weeks of sensory activities, and we are delighted to continue this long-lasting and special relationship with the Nursery.”
And the donation has been welcomed by Jo Evans, fundraising and communications manager at Dingley’s Promise.
“We are delighted that the John Sykes Foundation are funding the refurbishment of our Sensory Room at Dingley’s Promise Centre Reading,” she said.
“With this funding we will be able to transform the learning environment for children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities.
“Children have been significantly impacted by the lack of access to specialist services following the covid pandemic, impacting heavily on social and emotional wellbeing.
“Increased sensory experiences are needed to reverse these impacts and give the best possible start in life to the children we support in our nursery.”
She continued: “The room will use high-quality sensory equipment, providing visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation, as well as cause-and-effect toys which are vital for cognitive development.
“Many of our children require sensory spaces which help them calm and self-regulate their behaviours.
“This room will provide the perfect place to do this, and we are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of The John Sykes Foundation for supporting us, as we fulfil our commitment to transforming the lives of children with SEND across Berkshire.”
The John Sykes Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower the local community of Reading and create lasting positive change, and currently running a grant scheme aimed at supporting charities and community groups that help the town’s younger population.
For more details, or to apply, log on to: www.johnsykesfoundation.org
