The specialist sensory school matched a £10,000 donation to create their new room.

A complex needs school in Norwich has celebrated the opening of a new sensory room.

Clare School, on South Park Avenue, opened the specialist room earlier this week.

The school, for pupils aged between three and 19, bought new bespoke equipment to help with their pupils' disabilities.

Fyfe Johnston, headteacher of Clare School, said: 'Eighty per cent of our pupils have sensory needs, with many also having complex medical and learning needs.

Norwich Evening News: Maisie enjoying the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMaisie enjoying the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'We got to design most of the room, meaning we get to control the environment, and it also meant that we got really good value for money.'

Mr Johnston has been at the school for four years and saw them through their 2016 Ofsted report which rated them as outstanding.

He said: 'We have a hugely inspiring community at the school, both staff and pupils.

'It's great to be able to give them the best equipment possible so they can get the best out of what they need.'

Norwich Evening News: Head, Fyfe Johnston, in the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School with Lola. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHead, Fyfe Johnston, in the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School with Lola. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

A sensory room is a room designed to develop a person's sense, through special lighting, music, and objects.

It can also be used as a therapy for children with limited communication skills.

Mr Johnston said: 'We have highly trained teachers for the visually impaired and deaf.

'We also have a new assessment and training room which helps get the most out of the children learning with us.'

Norwich Evening News: Head, Fyfe Johnston, in the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School with Maisie. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHead, Fyfe Johnston, in the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School with Maisie. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Money was fundraised by the school's Care4Clare charity through raffles and concerts, along with members of the public choosing to raise money for them.

One woman, Sally-Ann Edmonds, raised £1,145 for the charity by completing the Great North Run.

Some of the classes have ceiling-mounted hoists, while others have their own soft play area.

Mr Johnston said: 'Each pupil has a specific timetable which is suited to them and how they work best.'

Norwich Evening News: Head, Fyfe Johnston, in the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School with Lola, left, and Maisie. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHead, Fyfe Johnston, in the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School with Lola, left, and Maisie. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

To find out more about Clare School you can visit their website: www.clareschool.co.uk

To donate to Care4Clare visit their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/careforclareappeal

Norwich Evening News: Barry Holden, organiser of North Walsham Live Aid who raised £10,000 for the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School, with Sam. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYBarry Holden, organiser of North Walsham Live Aid who raised £10,000 for the refurbished sensory room at the Clare School, with Sam. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)