Funding a School Sensory Space

Creating a sensory room can make a massive difference for pupils with additional needs, but funding it can feel daunting.

Luckily, Irish schools have three main ways to fund these spaces.

1. Department of Education SEN Grants

The Department offers a sensory room grant of €7,000 for schools with an NCSE-approved special class. To qualify, the sensory room must be a separate space with its own door. Schools apply to the Department’s Furniture & Equipment section with floor plans and supporting ETB approval if needed. On approval, funding is paid straight to the school.

Recent changes mean that for new SEN classes in the 2025/26 year, a combined start-up grant of around €30,000 replaces the separate sensory room grant. Schools can use this to set up sensory areas alongside classroom fit-out, equipment, and ICT.

2. Fundraising

Many schools top up official grants with fundraising from Parents’ Associations, community events, and crowdfunding. These campaigns can pay for extra equipment, décor, or specialist features beyond core grant amounts.

3. Minor Works / Other Grants

Standard Minor Works grants can sometimes be used for small improvement projects in SEN spaces. Budget allocations change each year, so check the latest circular from the Department.