Positive spin at Aureus School

Students were in a spin when Aureus School was awarded a £9,990 grant for two SPINI VR Chairs, thanks to the Didcot Powerhouse Fund.

Started by volunteers to tackle inequality in Didcot and the surrounding area, Powerhouse has awarded 89 grants totalling £151,000 over the past five years, including £9,990 to Aureus to purchase two SPINI VR Chairs to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The state-of-the art design utilises movement and multi-sensory VR technology to enable individuals with ADHD, autism, or other sensory-processing needs to re-regulate more quickly. A rotational sensory seat combines 360-degree movement with VR experiences to help users reset their nervous systems more rapidly and effectively.

“Investing in innovative and cost-effective SEN technologies such as a SPINI Chair strengthens Aureus School’s capacity to support their neurodiverse students,” said Nicola Brotherton, who submitted the grant application on behalf of the Friends of Aureus School. “It will transform students’ experiences by minimising lost learning, lessen anxiety, and improve overall academic outcomes.”

Aureus prides itself on its inclusivity, and supports a diverse community of students, including an above average number with SEND requirements. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Didcot Powerhouse Fund for enabling us to bring two SPINI VR Chairs into our school,” said Headteacher Kirsty Rogers. “The SPINI VR Chair is designed to deliver quick and effective sensory regulation through gentle 360-degree movement and immersive, multi-sensory VR experiences. This technology will help our students reset, refocus, and return to learning more rapidly and confidently.

“With growing SEND needs in education, and, in particular, at Aureus, this is a game changer for supporting regulation and improving access to learning for many of our students.”