The BT-funded facility, which is supported by the Lord's Taverners charity, will cater for 105 children aged between two and 11 years old, giving them access to relaxing and stimulating lights, sounds and textures that can help them to engage in a learning environment that suits their needs.

The rooms can result in dramatic benefits to children with sensory impairment, helping to enhance the development of their hearing, sight, smell and touch.

"To witness first-hand the effects that these multi-sensory rooms have on young people's lives is incredible, and I am delighted to see BT working with the Lord's Taverners to fund even more of these sensory rooms, which will help make a real difference by helping thousands of young people with disabilities all over the UK," Pearson, also a multiple World Equestrian Games gold medallist, said.

Lee Pearson interacts with children from Millstead School in the new BT Multi-Sensory Room ©Dave Thompson


BT's partnership with the Lord's Taverners, which began in 2010, will see multi-sensory equipment installed in at least 26 schools across the United Kingdom for more than 18,000 young people, with BT pledging to maintain the specially-adapted classrooms until 2020.

"The Lord's Taverners is dedicated to giving disadvantaged and disabled young people a 'sporting chance' in life so we are delighted to work alongside BT to help improve the lives of thousands of young people with disabilities across the country," Paul Robin, chief executive of the Lord's Taverners, said.

"This new sensory room will benefit the teachers, carers and families of Millstead School's young people and enhance the learning experience and future development of its pupils."

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