A school that has an existing or approved special class can make an application for funding for a sensory room. To be considered eligible for this grant the school must meet the following criteria:
1. The school must have an existing special class or be in the process of opening one;
2. The designated sensory room must be separate from the special class or any other room with its own entry/exit door and accessible from the main corridor. It shouldn’t require any major refurbishment. Part of classrooms, sensory spaces, and sensory pods do not qualify for the grant.
The grant amount for the sensory room is €7,000. This is a one-off grant and cannot be availed of in conjunction with the establishment of subsequent special classes.
To make an application for a sensory room grant, please submit the following documentation to furnitureequipment@education.gov.ie
1) Completed application form
2) Supporting letter from the relevant ETB, if applicable (where the school is under the patronage of an ETB);
3) Floor plans showing the designated sensory room and highlighted special class(es).
Upon approval of the application, the school will receive a Purchase Order number, confirming the approval of funding, and the grant money will be transferred to the school's bank account.