CHILDREN with impairments can now chill out in a therapeutic room designed specially to stimulate them.

The Dovecote, which runs after school clubs and holiday playschemes in Blackbird Leys, has unveiled a £14,500 sensory room at its base in Nightingale Avenue.

The purpose-built room is packed full of equipment designed to stimulate and challenge children with impairments and special needs, through touch, sight, sound and smell.

Highlights include a bubble tube containing fish, and patterned lighting and music to help calm children.

There is also a vibro-acoustic body pillow where music vibrates through the material, and a fibre optic decoration which children can play with.

Carol Richards, children and families services coordinator at the centre, said: “There is a need for a sensory room because we have a lot of children on the Leys with various impairments and we are always thriving to be more inclusive. The sensory room is a great way to add to that.

“We also use it as an extension of the after school club sessions. The children love it.”

Oxfordshire County Council funded the new facility, which opened last month.

Mrs Richards added: “We have several children with impairments using the sensory room, as well as some local children with challenging behaviour.

“Even children without impairments find it relaxing and very calming.

“It’s all about fun and even the adults find it soothing. We thought it would be a great community resource. It’s not just for people who come to the Dovecote, we are working with local groups so they can access it.”

She added: “While the emphasis is children with impairment, we welcome all children aged between four and 12 years old.”

The room is available Mondays and Wednesdays from 11.30am until 2.30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am until 2.30pm, and on Friday, 10am until 12.30pm.

Local groups and organisations as well as local parents and children can use the new facility free of charge.

Rooms can be booked for up to an hour and can take up to three children with an adult.

For more information about booking the room, call Mrs Richards on 01865 712299 or email leysdpc@hotmail.com