A £2,000 Community Grant from Your Hearts and Minds is already making a meaningful difference to pupils at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School in Intake.
The funding, awarded to the school’s charity, Friends of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has enabled the purchase of much-needed Special Educational Needs (SEN) equipment to support children with neurodiversity, learning difficulties, and sensory processing needs.
Melanie Kilbride, who applied for the grant on behalf of the charity, explained:
“We’re a hardworking group who regularly fundraise, but as a small school with only 210 children, raising large sums for projects like this can be challenging.
“We have seven classrooms, from Reception through to Year Six. Each year group has different needs due to the diversity of our school community, and we’re doing our best to support children as they grow and develop.”
The school has created a welcoming sensory space known as “The Bubble”, where children can go when they find the classroom environment overwhelming. The room features a cosy tent for quiet time, alongside a range of visual and tactile resources including bubble tubes, a light table, a sensory tunnel, and fidget tools.
Headteacher Mrs Philippa Martin said:
“We are so grateful for this funding.
“Having this sensory space allows children to ‘reset’, feel calm, and regulate their emotions, so they return to the classroom feeling comfortable and ready to learn.
“When children see their peers using calming tools, it helps normalise differences and fosters empathy. Inclusive play becomes part of everyday life rather than something separate, which reduces stigma and encourages awareness and respect for children of all abilities.”
Children also have access to additional equipment within their classrooms, including fidget toys, ear defenders, and kick bands, which are available whenever needed.
Teacher Mrs Clare Glenton added:
“We are delighted with the benefits this equipment is bringing to our pupils and believe that every school should have access to sensory environments.
“Every child has different sensory needs, and when we support those needs, everyone gains. Sensory provision is a powerful and proactive way to create a more inclusive environment.”
Published: January 05, 2026