Supporting the emotional needs of pupils (particularly those with SEND) requires thoughtful environments that promote calm, focus, and regulation. This course is designed to provide the knowledge, tools, and practical skills needed to design, implement, and manage a Calm Space within school settings.

Participants will explore the principles of sensory regulation and environmental design while developing the digital and organisational skills needed to plan, budget, and track their project using Microsoft Excel and Canva. The course culminates in creating a comprehensive Calm Space Implementation Guide for teachers and support staff.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

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• Understand the purpose, benefits, and psychological foundations of calm spaces for students.

• Design a calm, safe, and sensory-sensitive environment that supports regulation and inclusion.

• Develop a practical and sustainable project plan, budget, and spending tracker using Excel.

• Create professional digital visuals and design materials using Canva.

• Produce a clear instructional guide for staff on how to use and maintain the calm space effectively.

Course Content

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Module 1: Designing a Calm and Inclusive Space

Develop an understanding of sensory processing, emotional regulation, and inclusive design principles.

Topics include:

• Establishing clear physical boundaries and defining the purpose of the space

• Choosing suitable furniture, seating, and sensory-friendly materials

• Selecting calming colours, lighting, and natural elements

• Incorporating soothing sounds, scents, and visuals

• Managing clutter and creating tactile and sensory zones

• Providing tools for self-regulation (fidget items, mindfulness activities, soft toys, art, and movement options)

Module 2: Visual Design and Communication with Canva

Create clear and engaging design materials to and visualise your Calm Space.

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• Start from a template or design from scratch

• Use and arrange elements, resize and recolour objects

• Add and style text, apply backgrounds and colour schemes

• Incorporate and upload images to personalise designs

Module 3: Budgeting and Project Management with Excel

Learn how to plan, cost, and manage your Calm Space project using Microsoft Excel.
Participants will develop a professional workbook including:

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• Budget Sheet: what to include, formatting, formulas  and visual summaries with charts and pivot tables

• Spending Tracker: data validation, named ranges, IF and SUMIF formulas

• Project Manager: conditional formatting, cell references, and GANTT chart creation

These tools will help SENDCO staff allocate resources effectively and demonstrate project impact.

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Module 4: Staff Guidance and Implementation

Develop a set of practical instructions and strategies for colleagues using the Calm Space.
Key topics include:

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• The purpose and psychology behind calm spaces

• When to use and when not to use the space

• Promoting emotional regulation and independent use by students

• Reinforcing boundaries, safety, and comfort

• Ensuring consistency and accessibility across staff teams

• Providing tools and strategies that meet individual sensory and emotional needs

Assessment and Outcomes

Participants will complete a Calm Space Portfolio including:

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• A calm space design plan

• An Excel workbook (budget, tracker, and project manager)

• A Canva visual design (layout or promotional materials)

• A teacher/staff instruction guide

Upon completion, staff will have a fully developed plan and toolkit to introduce or enhance a Calm Space in their setting, supporting emotional regulation, sensory integration, and overall wellbeing for pupils with additional needs.

Order Calm Space course @ £99