Learning SPACE

Education Hub

Expert advice, guides and ideas for parents, educators and therapists working with children with additional needs.

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How to Quickly Get a Quote for Classroom Resources: A Teacher's Guide to the Learning SPACE Quote Tool
summer sensory garden setup blog. two small children playing in the garden with tree shaped mirrors for sensory exploration
Jonny Davison May 26, 2026

The Complete Summer Sensory Garden Setup Guide for SEND Families

How to plan and set up a sensory garden for SEND children. Five sensory zones, budget tiers from under £50, UK funding routes, ...

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child laying tummy down on a carousel sit and spin chair
Naomh Judson May 26, 2026

The Complete Guide to Sensory Rocking Chairs: Choosing the Right One for Autism, ADHD and Sensory Needs

A complete guide to sensory rocking chairs for autistic, ADHD and SEND children. Compare the ZUMA Rocker, Intellect Wave Rocker...

ADHD seatiautism rocking chairIntellect Wave rocker
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sensory swings for sensory regulation. image of a small child on a net swing outdoors
Jonny Davison Apr 28, 2026

The Complete Guide to Sensory Swings: Indoor and Outdoor Options for Calming, Regulation, and Play

Everything parents and schools need to know about sensory swings. Indoor and outdoor options, how they help, safety, and our to...

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small childs hands twisting and pulling a fidget toy
Jonny Davison Apr 27, 2026

NeeDoh Alternatives: The Complete Guide to Fidget Toys

If you’ve landed here looking for a NeeDoh, we’ll be straight with you. Our NeeDoh stock is running low across most of the rang...

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the best fidget toys blog. image shows a young boy holding a fidget toy in both hands
Jonny Davison Dec 05, 2025

The Best Fidget Toys For Every Age

Fidget toys aren’t just for kids - they’re powerful tools for anyone who needs help focusing, calming down, or managing sensory...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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a child wearing ear defenders
Georgina Rigby Dec 04, 2025

Why Ear Defenders Matter & How to Use Them Safely

By reducing overwhelming noise, ear defenders help children participate in everyday life with confidence. Whether it’s a trip t...

Autismguidehow to
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the late late toy show host dressed as an elf with children behind him dressed as elves and Santa for a Christmas toy tv show
Naomh Judson Dec 02, 2025

Learning SPACE Proudly Supports The Late Late Toy Show 2025

If you're searching for information on the Late Late Toy Show 2025, the featured toys, or sensory toys showcased on Irish TV th...

best toysMultisensory EnvironmentsSchool Environments
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a young girl laying on the grass playing with wooden cars
Georgina Rigby Nov 27, 2025

Our New Children's Ateliers Collection

Discover Our New Children's Ateliers Collection – Where Curiosity Leads the Way   At Learning SPACE, we believe in nurturing th...

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gingerbread men being cut out with cookie cutters ready for baking
Learning SPACE Nov 27, 2025

Baking Up Some Christmas Cheer: A Guide to Festive Treats

At Learning SPACE, we believe that baking is not just a task, but a joyful experience that brings families and friends together...

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young girl at on a chair with a weighted blanket over her lap
Georgina Rigby Nov 25, 2025

What Is the Right Weight For A Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets are becoming one of the most popular solutions for anxiety relief, better sleep, and sensory regulation. So i...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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young girl sat on a chair with a weighted blanket on her lap
Georgina Rigby Nov 25, 2025

How To Use A Weighted Blanket Correctly - Safety Tips & Best Practices

Weighted blankets aren’t just heavy comforters - they’re sensory tools designed to provide deep pressure stimulation, which can...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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Innovative Sensory Toys for Special Needs Education
Naomh Judson Nov 24, 2025

Innovative Sensory Toys for Special Needs Education

Innovative Sensory Toys for Special Needs Education – Unlocking Potential Through Play. Sensory toys are more than just fun - t...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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a little girl wearing a tutu in sensory room looking up at a projector with colorful lights
Georgina Rigby Nov 24, 2025

Sensory Spaces For Different Ages

Sensory spaces aren’t one-size-fits-all. The needs of a toddler, a school-aged child, and a teenager can look completely differ...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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a child sat on the floor playing with textured liquid tiles
Georgina Rigby Nov 24, 2025

How Sensory Spaces Help Neurodivergent Kids

Sensory Rooms and Sensory Spaces support children by giving them a predictable, calm, and comforting environment that helps the...

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a child in a sensory room enjoying the bubble tube and fibre optic lights
Naomh Judson Nov 24, 2025

Choosing the Right Sensory Den: A Complete Guide for Teachers and Parents

Transform any quiet corner into a calming sensory haven with our step-by-step guide to building the perfect Dark Den using the ...

Autismbest toysDark Den
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a young child enjoying their bubble tube in their sensory room
Naomh Judson Nov 21, 2025

What is a Sensory Room?

A sensory room is a controlled environment filled with equipment and tools that stimulate or soothe the senses. These spaces a...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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a man and woman sat in a sensory room looking at a bubble tube
Georgina Rigby Nov 11, 2025

Why Sensory Rooms Matter During the Holidays

A sensory room or sensory corner gives your child the chance to come home to themselves. It reminds them that they are safe, su...

AutismChristmasguide
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a group of children celebrating Christmas wearing Santa hats
Naomh Judson Nov 10, 2025

Top Family Games for Christmas!

The holiday season is the perfect time for families to come together, share laughter, and create lasting memories. What better ...

best toysChristmasfine motor
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a small child cuddling a teddy bear at christmas
Georgina Rigby Oct 14, 2025

A Calm Christmas for Neurodiverse Kids

During Christmas, everything seems louder, brighter, and busier. There are flashing lights, jingling bells, crowded stores, and...

AutismcareChristmas
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a child throwing dried leaves into the air during an autumn day
Georgina Rigby Oct 10, 2025

Sensory Friendly Ways To Enjoy Autumn For Neurodiverse Kids

Discover sensory-friendly ways to enjoy autumn for autistic children - from cosy crafts to adapting routines for shorter days a...

Autismautumncare
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two girls dressed up for Halloween
Georgina Rigby Oct 08, 2025

How To Have A Sensory-Safe Halloween With Neurodiverse Children

Discover how to make Halloween for neurodiverse children enjoyable with sensory-friendly ideas, calm activities, and gentle pla...

Autismguidehalloween
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a hand filling out an application form with a pen
Mary Leonard Jul 01, 2025

Looking for Funding Support? Let Learning SPACE Help You Access Grants for Sensory and Educational Equipment

Whether you're just starting a grant application or have one in progress, Learning SPACE is here to support you every step of t...

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a colourful nursery room with a little table and chairs, stuffed animals, coloured trays and hand drawn pictures on the wall
Naomh Judson Jun 12, 2025

Make the Most of Your EA £2000 Nursery Grant – Why Learning SPACE Is Your Perfect Partner

If you’re a nursery in Northern Ireland, you’ve likely heard the fantastic news: the Education Authority (EA) has awarded nurse...

nursery
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three women who are sisters standing together and smiling in celebration of winning an award for best sensory toy retailer
Georgina Rigby May 29, 2025

Celebrating our win as the Best Sensory Toy Retailer in Northern Ireland

We are so incredibly proud to announce that Learning SPACE has been awarded the title of 'Best Sensory Toy Retailer for Norther...

best toysMultisensory EnvironmentsSensory Toys
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two young boys walking on Gonge stepping stones
Naomh Judson May 29, 2025

Top 20 Sensory Products for Children with Autism

Sensory toys are more than just fun - they’re essential tools that support children with autism, ADHD, and SEN in managing emot...

Autismbest toysNeurodiverse
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a school girl with her backpack on walking towards the school bus
Naomh Judson May 29, 2025

Top 10 Products for Back To School - New School Year

Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming - especially for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges....

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Designing Neurodivergent Affirming Spaces
Jonny Davison May 29, 2025

Designing Neurodivergent Affirming Spaces

Looking to support children with additional needs within mainstream schools? Our Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SP...

Autismguidehow to
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a sensory dark den displayed with a beanbag and light up toys inside
Naomh Judson May 29, 2025

Enhancing Hotel Stays with Sensory Packs: A New Standard in Hospitality

Imagine hotel stays that truly cater to everyone. Our Sensory Packs are transforming guest experiences by offering calming tool...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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fibre optics tail lights glowing in blue
Georgina Rigby May 29, 2025

Enhancing Sensory Experiences with Learning SPACE Connect Pro Range

Step into the future of sensory environments with the Learning SPACE Connect Pro Range - where innovation meets imagination. Wi...

Multisensory EnvironmentsNeurodiverseSchool Environments
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a women in her pink pj's rubbing her eyes whilst wearing a sleep eye mask on her head and resting her head on a pillow
Georgina Rigby May 29, 2025

The Therapeutic Potential of Waterbeds

Could a waterbed be the key to better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved sensory regulation for your child? In our latest blo...

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Top 20 sensory toys for children with down syndrome blog. Down syndrome child sitting and playing with toys
Georgina Rigby May 29, 2025

Top 20 Sensory Toys For Children With Down Syndrome

Looking for fun, development-friendly toys for children with Down Syndrome? Our latest blog shares 20 of the best sensory toys ...

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a young child asleep holding a giraffe stuffed toy by Warmies
Georgina Rigby May 29, 2025

10 Best Effective Sleep Solutions for Children with Autism: A Comprehensive Guide

Tired of bedtime battles and restless nights? Our latest blog explores 10 tried-and-tested sleep aids designed to help children...

Additional NeedsASDAutism
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two girls baking in the kitchen wearing aprons
Georgina Rigby May 28, 2025

Pancake Day Fun: Benefits of Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen!

Growing up in a large family, with 5 sisters and 1 brother, mealtimes were handled gracefully by our amazing mum who delivered ...

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a young child sat on Santas lap
Georgina Rigby May 28, 2025

Must Have Toys for Christmas!

The holiday season is a time of wonder and joy! Our carefully curated list features top toys for children aged 3 and up, ensur...

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two young children sat by the Christmas tress wearing stripey pj's
Georgina Rigby May 28, 2025

Accommodating Your Child's Needs at Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also be overwhelming for children with additional needs. As parents, we want to...

best toysChristmashow to
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colourful sensory room with a light up tube, activity wall panels, soft padded flooring and beanbags
Georgina Rigby May 28, 2025

Maximising Your Northern Ireland SPiM Funding: Sensory Resources for Inclusive Classrooms

Specialist Provisions in Mainstream (SPiM) settings across Northern Ireland have recently received £1,800 in funding to enhance...

fundingsensorySPIM
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a young child with face paints as a bunny rabbit, whilst wearing bunny ears celebrating Easter, and painting eggs
Georgina Rigby May 28, 2025

Hopping Into Easter With The Family

Easter is a time filled with fun, chocolate, and colourful eggs — but we also know it can sometimes feel a bit too busy and ove...

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young children playing role play with a lemonade stand
Georgina Rigby May 28, 2025

Why Pretend Play is Essential for Children’s Development – And the Best Role Play Toys to Inspire It

Imaginative play helps children explore different emotions, practice real-life scenarios, and express their thoughts in a safe ...

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