Linden Lodge School For Children With Sensory Challenges

Location: Wimbledon, South London

Linden Lodge School is a day and residential special needs school for students aged 2-19 with Vision and Multi-Sensory Impairment. They are located in Southfields, and consider prospective students from a wide area.

The education of students with sensory impairment is highly specialist and therefore they have specialist teachers, specialist curriculums and extensive specialist resources and facilities on our campus. These include:

  • A large workforce of specialist teachers who in addition to their teaching qualification hold a Mandatory Qualification (MQ) be it Qualified Teacher of Vision Impairment (QTVI), Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (QToD) or Qualified Teacher of Multi Sensory Impairment (QTMSI)
  • A large on-site therapy team of Speech and Language therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists directly employed by the school who work alongside teachers and education teams
  • A Team of Habilitation Specialists and Assistants for the vision impaired 
  • An onsite Learning Resources Centre which enables us to provide a wide range of fully accessible learning resources tailored to meet each pupil’s specific sensory needs
  • On-site Vision assessment hub to carry out Functional Vision Assessments 
  • An NHS standard Audiology testing booth to assess pupils’ hearing and the use of audiological equipment
  • A centre for families of children with Sensory Impairment to provide training, parent guidance and social opportunities
  • An accessible physical environment and clear signage for those with vision impairment

Expectations for each pupil are high and we understand that each pupil with a Sensory Impairment has a unique diagnosis and learning profile. Linden Lodge wants their pupils to reach their potential and achieve as much independence as possible. Every pupil has, in addition to their curriculum targets, personal goals to optimise their use of Vision, Hearing and other Senses.

Expectations for each pupil are high and we understand that each pupil with a Sensory Impairment has a unique diagnosis and learning profile. Linden Lodge wants their pupils to reach their potential and achieve as much independence as possible. Every pupil has, in addition to their curriculum targets, personal goals to optimise their use of Vision, Hearing and other Senses.

https://www.lindenlodge.wandsworth.sch.uk/ 


HOW INITIAL CONTACT WAS MADE:

In March 2025 Sarah Norris, one of the co-headteachers at Linden Lodge, visited Cherry Trees in East Clandon, Surrey and saw the cinema room facility that we had donated in 2023, with the help of installer Nethaus. When she found out this had been a gift from our industry she understandably wondered if the residential provision at Linden Lodge might be eligible for something similar. With this in mind, and soon after her visit to Cherry Trees, Sarah asked one of her colleagues to contact me and with busy schedules we set up a meeting early in September.

It was September 3rd that I met with Jackie Nolan and was introduced to, and shown around, Linden Lodge residential provision, Richley House. I also met some of the other members of staff and was very impressed with the size of the school and the incredible and hugely important work the school does helping children with visual and Multi-Sensory Impairments.

Whilst there I was shown a couple of rooms and there was one particular that could be transformed into something very special. This was the room that was selected…, but we needed the right installer to take this on.


HOW THE INSTALLER / PROJECT MANAGER WAS FOUND:

Fortunately there was an installer very local to the school that had been keen to take on a Together For Cinema project so it was an easy call for me to make. However, this installation, with the many different sensory challenges of the users, was potentially more of a challenge than our standard installations. 

In recent times I’d been in touch with Richard Chaffey and Simon Conner of FLUX and they were 100% up for getting involved with a Together For Cinema installation. Having heard a little more about Linden Lodge and what the installation entailed, as well as the impact it would make, they agreed to take on the installation and promised to deliver the right solutions as best they could. However, to clarify exactly what might need to be delivered we set up a further meeting with Richard to assess the room and this meeting took place on November 5th, 2025.


ROOM ASSESSMENT AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION:

With the team from FLUX, as well as senior leaders from the residential provision at Linden Lodge, and myself in attendance, we had about 10 people involved in helping to design the room and specify what we might need. It became clear to me that this was not going to be a normal Together For Cinema installation!

Firstly, it was a school, with a residential provision so young people stay throughout the school year so the room would be used more than our average installations. The sensory needs clearly gave rise to some specialist commercial AV equipment, and structurally the room needed some modifications to make it safe and also to ensure the best experience for the users.

Richard Chaffey, FLUX’s Technical Director, undertook to project manage the installation and he was hugely excited by what he felt we could deliver. Ideas, changes, solutions…, so many were considered, dismissed and then considered again, until a design was eventually agreed upon and then came the discussion on which products we’d need to make it happen. 

With varied needs and specific solutions the product list was extremely comprehensive, and there were companies listed that I hadn’t approached before, and likely weren’t that aware of what we do. This wasn’t a problem, but the process to secure all the products needed a little more attention than usual.  


SOURCING OF PRODUCTS:

With so many items needed from many different suppliers this was always going to be a big ask, but it’s testimony to how FLUX are respected in the industry that between Richard and I we quickly had the majority of items we needed promised and available to us. 

We approached many of our regular product donors such as ADI, Aldous, Alltrade, AVPro, Crestron, CUK, Future Automation, Habitech, iiyama, Peerless, Shadow EMEA, Sonance, TDI Group and Webro, and all were fully behind the project and keen to help make it happen. Some new product donors were approached such as Ampetronic and Ultamation, and both companies were genuinely delighted to be approached and were more than happy to donate what was required to make this incredible room a reality.

With any installation such as this there are always certain building materials that are needed and since Selco awarded Together For Cinema one of their 2025 Community Hero Awards, they have been more than willing to support our installations. One quick email to my contacts and we had secured all we needed and a delivery date was set from their local branch. We have great relationships with most of the AV industry but ‘external’ relationships, like this with Selco, are also really important.

We are of course hugely grateful to all companies that donate to any Together For Cinema project but for Linden Lodge School this cinema / media room is a real bonus that they could never normally have afforded or imagined having. Thank you to all that donated and the kit list reads as follows…


PRODUCTS THAT WERE DONATED:

  • Aldous Systems (Power Management): 1 x WattBox WB-800ICH1U-IPVM-8 WattBox 8 Individually Metered & Controlled Outlets, 1U Integrated Faceplate IP Power Conditioner and 1 x Furman M-10X-E 10A Standard Power Conditioner, 230V
  • Aldous Systems (Cables): 2 x Bullet Train BT-10KUHD-005 0.5M 10K (48Gbps) HDMI Cable (1.6 Feet), 4 x Bullet Train BT-10KUHD-010 1M 10K (48Gbps) HDMI Cable (3.3 Feet), 4 x Bullet Train BT-10KUHD-015 1.5 M 10K (48Gbps) HDMI Cable (5 Feet), 4 x Bullet Train BT-10KUHD-020 2M 10K (48Gbps) HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet) and 2 x Bullet Train BT-10KUHD-030 3M 10K (48Gbps) HDMI Cable (9.8 Feet)
  • AllTrade (direct): 1 x ALL-RACK Wall Cabinet 4U Black SHALLOW, 1 x SONOS  PORT Player in BLACK, 1 x FREESAT Smart 4K Ultra HD STB and 1 x Satellite Dish and bracket
  • Ampetronic (Transmitter): 1 x TX2N Transmitter, plus docking station and receivers
  • AVPro (AVR): 1 x Audiocontrol Hyperion RCV-11 (11 channel) AVR
  • Crestron (Control): 1 x Crestron MC4R Control Processor, 1 x Crestron HR-310  Remote Control, 1 x Crestron TSW-1070-B-S Wall Mount Touch Screen, Black Smooth 10.1, 2 x Crestron HZ2-KPCN-B ENGRAVED  Horizon 2 Keypad with Cresnet Communications, Custom Engraved, Black, 1 x Crestron HZ2-FP-G2-B Horizon 2 Faceplate, 2-Gang, Black, 1 x Crestron DIN-DLI DALI Interface, DIN Rail Mount, 1 x Crestron CSA-PWS10S-HUB-ENET 10-Motor Power Supply with Ethernet to Cresnet Bridge and Cresnet Hub
  • CUK (Receiver): 1 x Audac WP220 Universal wall panel - Bluetooth receiver input - 80 x 80 mm, 1 x Audac ARJ12P Junction box - RJ45 to 2 x 3-pin terminal block
  • CUK (Cables): 1 x Box of Kordz PRS SlimCat - Cat6A 305m Network Cable (Black), 1 x Kordz PRS SlimCat Cat6a RJ45 Crimp Connector 100 pieces, 1 x Kordz PRO SlimCat Cat6/Cat 6a RJ45 Strain Relief 100 pieces and 1 x 20m (or 25m) Fibre Optic HDMI
  • Future Automation (Brackets/Mounts): 1 x CCP2-CSA CRESTRON CSA-PWS10S-HUB-ENET Enclosure, 1 x Terminal Blocks for 1 DALI Module and 1 x 16 DIN Rail Terminal Blocks & End Restraints
  • Habitech (Port): 1 x Ubiquiti UniFi 24 Port PoE+ L2 Ethernet Switch With 16 GbE PoE+, 8x GbE, 2x 1G SFP Uplink Ports and 95W PoE Budget
  • iiyama (Screen/Monitor): 1 x ProLite LH9875UHS-B1AG (98”)
  • Peerless (Mount): 1 x STS680 Mount
  • Selco (Wall Panelling): 10 x Acoustic Panels
  • Shadow EMEA (Automated Blinds): 2 x Large Shadow blackout roller blinds, approximately 3.2m wide x 1.6m drop
  • Sonance (Speakers): 3 x Sonance Reference Series R2 LCR Cinema Speaker, 1 x In-Wall R12 Subwoofer Kit, 2 x pairs of Sonance Visual Experience VX82R 8" Pivoting Two Way Round Speaker and 1 x Blaze By Sonance PowerZone Connect 2U -1002A Installation Amplifiers for Subwoofer
  • TDI Group (Rack): 1 x Penn Elcom 600x600mm 37U Rack AND 1 x 19″ 1U Blank Panel Black
  • Together For Cinema (Content): Sony UBPX700KB Blu Ray Payer and 1 x Apple TV 128gb, 4k Box 
  • Ultamation (Lighting Control): DMX Controller and programming modules
  • Vivid Lightworx (Lighting): LED Light Tiles
  • Webro (Cables): Various cables as required


INSTALL STARTED:

Wednesday 5th August, 2026.


INSTALL COMPLETED AND FINAL SIGN OFF:

Friday 25th September, 2026.


OPENING RECEPTION:

This took place on Tuesday October 13th and was attended by more than 25 people. It really was quite a gathering, and a wonderful celebration of what can happen when an industry unites to make a difference.

Sarah Norris was joined by several of her colleagues and we were delighted to have the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Emmeline Owens join us and say a few words of thanks to all involved in making this amazing room happen.

From our side, along with Richard, Simon and Craig from FLUX, we were joined by Imogen Dent from Shadow EMEA, Ella Revill from Ampetronic, Steve Simper and Peter Alloway from Alltrade, and of course Stuart Burgess from Inside CI who kindly attends all of our openings to take pictures and shoot the video footage.

Also able to join us were our newly appointed Patrons, Krissy and Chesney Hawkes, my wife Caroline and one of our directors, Dave Parrett. It really was quite a gathering!

For Krissy and Chesney it was an eye opening afternoon and one that, by their own admission, will stay long in their memory. To see the end result of our work and to hear about the long terms benefits was very moving for us al. One particular moment stood out for us all and this was when I was standing next to Sarah (the Co-Headteacher) and she started signing to someone on the other side of the room. I asked what was happening and she said that the person was profoundly deaf and she had been able to listen to a film on the big screen perfectly, and this was made possible by the wonderful work by FLUX and the Auracast equipment that had been donated. A very special, and hugely impactful, moment that resonated with us all.

A great day, with incredible people, celebrating an amazing room, and proving that by working together we can make great things happen.


INSTALLER COMMENTS:

“Around a year ago, Ian invited Flux London to survey this room and help create an inclusive cinema and multimedia experience that everyone could enjoy, regardless of ability. This was a different kind of challenge for us, requiring a fresh approach. The existing ceiling hoist ruled out a drop-down projector and screen, so we explored a large-format TV instead. 

However, the existing wall wasn’t strong enough to support the generously donated screen, weighing around 70 kilos.
Following discussions with Ian and the Linden Lodge team, we proposed building an entirely new wall in front of the existing one. 
This allowed us to design in the necessary strength and features from the outset. With our drawings complete, a builder came on board, using materials kindly donated by Selco.

With the wall sorted, we turned our attention to accessibility. We discovered that the lighting controls we typically use didn’t offer braille options. Thankfully, Master Moulders helped us overcome this by providing the braille we needed, while preserving the buttons’ transparency and functionality.
 
Another exciting technology we’ve incorporated is Auracast, which some of you may not have heard of. It’s relatively new, but I believe it’s something we’ll increasingly see and use in everyday life. Some newer hearing aids, smartphones and earbuds already support Auracast, and its adoption is expected to grow. Imagine two students watching a film or enjoying a presentation in this room: one using hearing aids and the other not. Auracast has the potential to allow both to receive the same audio, each in the way that works best for them. It’s a great example of how technology can help make shared experiences more inclusive.  We’ve also worked with our friends at Shadow Window Treatments to bring the room into a fully automated environment. At the touch of a button, the roller blinds control the natural light entering the room, helping create a more immersive cinematic experience.
 
The AV rack in the corner was designed and built by Flux London. The many cables and connections required throughout the rack and room were kindly supplied by Webro. When designing the system, we needed to consider how Linden Lodge delivers media content today, whilst also preparing for the future. Disc-based media remains the preferred option, giving the school greater control over what students can access and avoiding unrestricted internet browsing. Where appropriate, a restricted Apple TV and Freeview box provide additional viewing options.

A room like this is an investment not just in equipment and money, but in time, effort and the kindness of so many people. Countless hours have gone into bringing this project to life, with several organisations generously contributing their expertise, materials and support.
We hope this room will serve Linden Lodge well today, tomorrow and for many years to come.”

Richard Chaffey, Technical Director, FLUX London


VENUE COMMENTS:

“Within my capacity as Co-Headteacher, Health and Residential I try wherever possible to visit other provisions to review and reflect on our residential provision to see what if anything we could do to improve our students’ residential experiences. My visit to Cherry Trees in March 2025 was pure serendipity. When I saw their cinema room, I thought that this would enhance our students experiences and bring them together as a group to socialise every evening.  

It was incredibly exciting to meet with Ian and FLUX and begin to explore the possibilities which seemed endless! The needs of our young people are varied as we support young people from across the school and multiple different curriculum pathways to include students that were working on adapted National Curriculum through to sensory based learners as well as deafblind students.  All of our students have a degree of vision impairment although often accompanied with a high level of additional needs be it hearing, medical or cognitive. We highlighted our very broad and unique needs of our residential young people with a focus on accessibility through vision and hearing but it did not seem to deter any of the professionals from FLUX in fact the room was electric with excitement planning what could be put in place.  

The whole process has been fantastic!  Getting to know Richard and his colleagues from FLUX has been a privilege and joy. Their commitment to providing us with an incredible cinema room has known no bounds. Their attention to detail and dedication to the project has been incredible.  
We are deeply grateful for the generous donation from Together for Cinema and all that FLUX has done to make this incredible cinema room so accessible for our young people. I know it will be used daily to bring together our students to socialise and enjoy their down time after a full day of school.”

Sarah Norris, Co-Headteacher Health and Residential, Linden Lodge School


PEOPLE INVOLVED IN MAKING IT HAPPEN:

  • Ian Morrish (Founder and Managing Director, Together for Cinema CIC)
  • Richard Chaffey (Technical Director, FLUX London)
  • Simon Conner (Director, FLUX London)
  • Craig Rayneau (Director, FLUX London)
  • Damien Smith (Client Director, FLUX London)
  • Andrew Barr (Master Models)
  • Craig Smith (Material Concepts)
  • Lee Quelch (Vivid Lightworx)
  • All the manufacturers, distributors and other suppliers that generously supplied the necessary product, all of whom have already been mentioned in the list above.
  • The Together for Cinema Directors and Partners, without who these installations would not be possible.

THANK YOU…, you have helped make a real difference at Linden Lodge School, and in turn, have made a real difference to so many people’s lives for many years to come.


FINANCIALS:

We’re all aware that charities have to work very hard to secure the funding for most of their operational costs. With the comprehensive and considered cradling of a family through tough times, there is little monies left over for luxuries such as a cinema room. 

For Linden Lodge School this new cinema / media room is a wonderful addition to their facility and at a normal cost of around £100,000, is something that would never be considered as a possibility. For Together For Cinema and our industry to deliver a tailored solution that offers so many much needed technical solutions is something we’re all very proud of. As of today, October 2026, this is our highest value and most technically comprehensive installation, and we are delighted to know that it will be used, enjoyed and valued for many years to come.   


SUMMARY:

This was Together for Cinema’s 62nd good cause cinema room installation and helped take the Together for Cinema good cause community delivery to very nearly £1.7m worth of installations, had they all been paid for. 

For Richard Chaffey and his team, this is a gift that all at the school will enjoy for many years to come. Be it movie time, gaming, karaoke, training, fundraising, teaching etc…, the room will be used regularly, and for many different purposes. Most importantly of all, it will help cradle the sensory developmental journeys of the children at the school, and help bring lots of happiness and good times to the children and of course the staff.

Thank you again Richard and all at FLUX London for taking this on and I hope the ‘feel good’ factor of being involved in such a project, and making a difference to so many lives, is worth more than any payment.


“Together for Cinema – together for better”


Report created by Ian Morrish. All quotes to be from Ian Morrish, unless otherwise stated. 
For further details please contact Ian Morrish at ian@togetherforcinema.co.uk

www.togetherforcinema.co.uk