Cubbie Sensory Hub

Gaelscoil Philib Barún is committed to providing an inclusive environment that supports children of all learning abilities. We aspire to understand the natural concerns that some families may have about how their children can navigate the educational system, while coping with the demands of mainstream schooling.

In support of this goal, the school purchased its own Cubbie Sensory Hub in 2022, which is designed to support people with sensory processing difficulties. Sensory processing difficulties occur when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses. This can affect how someone experiences and interacts with the world around them [Source: How Cubbie Works].

The Cubbie is now used on a daily basis throughout the school, as part of a special class for pupils with autism who use it for self-regulation. It has been a popular and successful addition to the school’s educational landscape and caring culture.

The school’s teacher with responsibility for the special class adds that:

The Cubbie is an integral part of our regulation strategies we use in school and a favourite of the children. The sense of calm security and independence the Cubbie gives to an over-stimulated or dis-regulated child cannot be underestimated. Each child has their own personal programme built specifically for them by an Occupational Therapist. By reducing the sensory overload and regulating the child, we as teachers have noticed improved focus and engagement after a session in the Cubbie with the task in hand but most importantly an ability to engage with their peers.

The initial cost of the Cubbie was borne by the school and supported by the fundraising efforts of the Parents Association. There are maintenance contract costs including IT updates and the provision of specialised individual programmes, in consultation with the Cubbie’s Occupational Therapists team, which the school must meet annually through its own budget.

We welcome any support with this ongoing expense.