PUPILS are immersing themselves in a new sensory experience at a Barrow school.

The new sensory room at St James' C of E Junior School on Blake Street has been a hit with students.

The room was created after receiving generous funding from both Cumbria County Council and the Sir John Fisher Foundation.

It is hoped that the room can be used to calm children who may be battling with their mental health in school, providing relief for those who use it.

Acting Headteacher Jackie Rushton and Acting Assistant Headteacher Liam Reid have been 'delighted' with the results of the room.

They said: "We are delighted to open our new sensory room for our pupils who we know will enjoy the use of the new facility.

"The new sensory room is a much needed and welcomed addition to our school. I imagine all teachers will agree that the mental health of children in school is a day-to-day battle, and the room will provide a welcomed relief for those children who are experiencing problems with their social and emotional wellbeing.

"The room will also provide us opportunities for pupils with sensory and other learning needs, with all children being given the opportunity for relaxation and downtime if needed.

"We are very grateful to the support of the Cumbria County Council and the Sir John Fisher Foundation for their support in fully funding the project. We are very honoured to be viewed as an important part of the community and are thrilled to receive two large donations towards the project.

"Through this kindness, we look forward to supporting our children more than we have been able to previously."

The facility will be open for us for the children of other schools and nurseries in the Hindpool area, with Hindpool Nursery already making use of the facility for some of their children.

The room is filled with sensory furniture and soft flooring, mesmerising lighting and multi-sensory games.

The children have been enjoying playing with the bubble machines and vibrating panels amongst other activities whilst in the room.

Reece, a pupil in year three, said: I like the sensory room a lot. I like playing in there with my friends. I like pressing the buttons on the games and watching the colours changing. I pretend to swim with the fish on the wall."

Another fan of the room is year six's deputy head boy Jack. He said: "The sensory room is a good place to relax and forget any worries I have. I have a good time using the back massager and the interactive screen and I really enjoy watching the projector show the fish swimming in the wall; it makes a really calming atmosphere."

The school, which has approximately 120 students on the roll, is holding an open evening on October 6 for parents of children who are currently in year one and two.

Find out more at: https://www.stjamesjun-bif.cumbria.sch.uk/