The Baobab

HIS is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel supported and valued. The Baobab embodies this commitment by offering targeted interventions that cater for diverse learning needs. By providing sensory-friendly activities and resources, the centre helps students build essential self-regulation skills, promoting both academic success and emotional well-being. Secondly, having the centre on campus ensures convenience and accessibility to services.

• Sensory Processing Challenges (Over- or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli)
• ADHD & Focus Difficulties (Difficulty staying on task, self-regulation support)
• Anxiety & Emotional Regulation Issues (Strategies for managing stress and overwhelm)
• Speech & Communication Delays (Expressive and receptive language support)
• Motor Difficulties & Coordination Challenges (Balance, posture, strength, and mobility support)

Occupational Therapy (OT) Tools:

Weighted blankets & vests – Provide deep pressure for calming and focus.
Fidget tools & tactile objects – Help with sensory engagement and self-regulation.
Swings & balance boards – Support vestibular (movement) processing and body awareness.
Noise-canceling headphones – Reduce auditory overload for students sensitive to noise.

Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) Tools:

Visual communication aids – Assist students with expressive communication.
Oral motor tools – Strengthen muscles needed for speech production.
Social storybooks & interactive games – Build language skills and social interaction.

Physiotherapy (PT) Tools:

Obstacle courses & balance beams – Improve coordination and core strength.
Therapy balls & resistance bands – Help develop strength, posture, and endurance.

Each tool is selected to address specific sensory, motor, or communication needs, helping students to:

• Calm down & reduce anxiety through weighted pressure, movement breaks, or deep breathing.
• Improve attention & self-regulation with fidget tools and noise-canceling options.
• Enhance communication with speech aids and social interaction strategies.
• Develop coordination & motor skills through guided PT exercises.

No sessions are typical as they are tailored to meet specific student needs. Some examples may be: 

• OT Intervention: A student with sensory sensitivities may start with a sensory swing to regulate their senses to improve focus followed by a  deep pressure activity using a weighted lap pad while completing a fine motor task, and finishing with breathing exercises.
• Speech Therapy Activity: A student with expressive language challenges might engage in visual communication practice, followed by a social skills game, and end with oral motor exercises.
• Physiotherapy Session: A student working on posture and core strength may complete a balance board challenge, do stretching exercises, and use flexible seating strategies in the classroom.

 Sessions are designed to be short but effective in helping students reset and refocus.

Through helping students self-regulate, the centre allows them to return to the classroom in a more focused and engaged state. This leads to:

• Improved attention and participation in lessons
• Stay focused and engaged in lessons.
• Reduced disruptive behaviors caused by sensory overload
• Increased confidence and independence in managing emotions
• Transition between activities smoothly without frustration.
•  Participate in classroom discussions and group work.
• Develop confidence in communication and movement.

Students who consistently use the Baobab often show:

• Better emotional regulation and coping strategies (fewer emotional outbursts, improved ability to cope with sensory challenges)
• Increased ability to transition between activities smoothly
• Improved classroom focus and reduced anxiety levels
• Better posture, strength, and coordination (increased endurance for classroom tasks)
• More positive social interactions with peers
• Enhanced speech and language development (better articulation, improved social interactions)
• Greater independence in learning and daily activities

The Baobab provides personalized strategies to help students manage their unique challenges:

• For sensory processing challenges – Students engage in tailored sensory input (e.g., deep pressure, movement, or tactile activities) to regulate their responses.
• For ADHD – The centre offers structured movement breaks, fidget tools, and focus strategies to help with attention and impulse control.
• For anxiety – Students practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, and self-soothing strategies to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

The teachers have received an 8 week coaching and practical training from an occupational therapist, focusing on the high areas of need within the school. Teachers are able to use the equipment in the Baobab appropriately. They are also able to make the appropriate accommodations in the homeroom to support a variety of student needs. 

There is a learning support teacher to support each homeroom, teachers and learning support can further refer to a specialist if further intervention is required.