Although Hirstwood Training do not sell equipment we offer a consultancy and design service to support the development of multi sensory rooms and studio's.

This is a bespoke service offered by Richard Hirstwood, a motivational and accomplished international consultant in the field of sensory learning. His extensive experience is based upon practical knowledge - giving him the insight into what works, and more importantly, what doesn't in multi sensory practice and multi sensory rooms.

The first step in the development of your design will usually be a site visit. A full inspection of the proposed space, as well as full discussion with key individuals will:

* establish a design brief
* the end purpose of the space
* budget considerations
* timeframe for the proposal

Richard will then develop these initial concepts into imaginative & workable solutions, resulting in a coherent & well designed space to fit your specific needs and those of your clients/pupils/service users. Richard is happy to offer telephone support and advice during and following your consultancy.

If you are having a new build, and so there is no 'space' to visit, we can arrange to visit you in your existing setting to discuss the project in it's entirety. Architects plans prior to this meeting are very helpful, but not essential at this point in the process.

The result of this collaborative design process will be:

* three dimensional schematic plans for the space
* photographs of existing rooms as necessary to support the interpretation of the schematics
* a well thought out rationale for the proposed design, including any Health & Safety issues
* a shopping list of equipment
* recommendations regarding electrical requirements, as well as storage, flooring, decoration etc.
* recommended suppliers/installers, most suited to interpret the design
* aide memoire for the process


The design will be sent to you in a paper and pdf format, to enable you to easily share the information with other individuals. We also send you a copy of our dvd, 'An introduction to the Multi Sensory Room and Studio' to inspire you further!

Depending on the complexity of the proposal, this process may take between two to four weeks to complete. We try to establish at the outset of the consultancy the time frame and agree one which everyone is happy with.


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Recent consultancies have provided the following testimonials -

* 'Richard spent a day with us finding out what we wanted from the sensory studio we were planning to build.
He provided us with some fantastic ideas to create an easy to use, flexible learning environment that could be used by whole classes, (we are an SLD/PMLD school with mixed classes of around 9 pupils). Richard's plans were given straight to our architect who kept as close as possible to the specifications; our studio was ready in January 2007 and we are thrilled with it! It's simple to use and can be turned into anything; its been the inside of a giant peach, a walk through a jungle and an ice palace. We would most definitely recommend Richard to anyone interested in creating something similar.'

Lesley Koller, Pear Tree School

* 'Richard has been the ultimate professional with regards to his consultancy role for our studio. He has been responsive to our ever changing needs, innovative and objective. Richard's approachable and enthusiastic manner is an asset to any project. His willingness to discuss and listen to all viewpoints means we have a fantastic studio adapted to meet our specific needs.'

Peter Dalhstrom, Hope School

* 'Faced with the dilema of how to create a sensory studio from an empty space, a colleague helpfully directed me towards Richard as an individual working in this specialist arena. I have to say that this turned out to be a perfect solution. His ideas, knowledge and obvious passion for his work are truely inspirational and have enabled us to create a flexible and unique learning space that will meet the needs of a range of individuals, not just those with a disability.'

Denise Clements, Lavender Children's Centre

* We cannot thank Richard enough for his consultation work here at Mayfield School, Chorley. His enthusiasm is contagious!!! His knowledge and expertise was invaluable in setting us off in the right direction for our new Multi Sensory learning studio and in sourcing Lee Engineering to design and install the studio. We now have a fantastic new teaching and learning resource which has revolutionized the way we teach....and the kids love it!!!!! Thank you Richard!!

Elaine Walker, Mayfield School.
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