Education Minister visits Sensory Kids

NORTHERN Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan dropped by at The Junction this week to visit Sensory Kids.

Sensory Kids, dedicated to supporting children, young people, and adults with disabilities, is celebrating 12 years of impact while preparing to expand its services to Ballymoney.

What began as a vision for a single sensory room has grown into a thriving, community-led organisation.

In response to growing demand, Sensory Kids relocated in 2023 to larger premises at The Junction.

Since opening in July 2023, the Sensory Hub has welcomed over 2,500 visitors and offers an under-11 sensory room, an over-11 and adults’ sensory room, and a dedicated soft play area.

Sessions are led by fully trained Sensory Specialists who also provide guidance and support to parents and carers, including advice on diagnoses, grants, equipment, and benefits.

Sensory Kids has also developed innovative educational initiatives.

‘What’s Up With Ali?’ is an educational programme for primary schools (P1–P7) that helps children understand autism through the eyes of Ali, an autistic child in a mainstream school. Delivered over four weeks via an engaging e-learning platform supported by digital and print resources, the programme encourages empathy, celebrates difference, and promotes seeing the person first, not the diagnosis.

In addition, the charity delivers Understanding Sensory, a training programme for nursery and primary school staff that raises awareness of ASD and ADHD, sensory circuits, and the benefits of messy play, equipping educators with practical tools they can apply confidently in everyday practice.

The Education Minister, who was accompanied by South Antrim MLAs Trevor Clarke and Pam Cameron, was briefed on their important work - and was impressed by what he saw.

“I was pleased to visit Sensory Kids to see first-hand how they support children with additional needs,” said Mr Givan.

“I was particularly impressed with the clear dedication of the team and their passion for sharing knowledge and expertise by reaching out to schools to provide their new ‘What’s up with Ali’ programme, which will help pupils better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“I commend all of those at Sensory Kids for the valuable work they do to support families and schools across Northern Ireland.”

Sensory Kids Co-Founder, Kathryn Davidson said they were pleased to share their story.

“We were delighted to welcome the Education Minister to Sensory Kids and provide him with a guided tour of our Sensory Hub,” she said.

“Our vision has always been to educate and raise awareness of autism, ADHD, and other disabilities.

“By working directly with schools and delivering our programmes, therapies and training, we believe we are making a meaningful difference.

“We are extremely proud of our growth over the past 12 years and are excited to continue expanding our work.”

For more information, please visit www.sensorykidsni.co.uk. Connect with Sensory Kids on Facebook and Instagram @sensorykidsni.