This photo shows the front area as it appeared during the initial site visit an almost blank canvas, offering a great opportunity to design the space around the school’s specific requirements.
The area included existing fencing and a gym equipment zone on resin-bonded mulch.
The school wanted to introduce active and accessible play for all children.
Continue reading the case study for a detailed look at the products used, the overall design, and photographs of the transformed space.
After the site meeting and gaining a clear understanding of the school’s needs, we proposed a range of enhancements for the area. These included additional resin-bonded surfacing to match the existing surfaces for a cohesive look, a bespoke shelter with sensory play panels, balance focused trim trail equipment, sturdy recycled-plastic seating, and inclusive play options such as a wheelchair accessible swing, roundabout, spinning bowl, wheelchair-accessible seesaw, along with additional fencing.
One of the key benefits of our timber products is that they are designed and built in-house, allowing us to create bespoke equipment tailored to a specific space or requirement.
The school wanted a shelter in the area, but it needed to be fully lockable to prevent use by children outside school hours.
Our designer proposed the shelter shown in the photograph: fully lockable with double doors that fold back completely to reveal interactive sensory play panels, which are also lockable. The roof is made from clear polycarbonate to allow natural light, and four additional windows provide even more daylight inside. Internal bench seating is fitted with artificial grass, adding a sensory element, while two additional interactive play panels ‘Spaghetti Slider’ and ‘Rolling Balls’ are mounted externally on either side of the shelter.
As briefly mentioned, the school identified a clear need for play equipment that is accessible for wheelchair users. To meet this requirement, we installed a wheelchair accessible swing, one of our most sought-after inclusive products and a firm favourite with the children. Adding this piece of equipment represents a significant step forward for us as a company and further strengthens our accessible play catalogue.
We also introduced an inclusive roundabout, a large peice of equipment designed to accommodate a wheelchair user with additional space for other children to sit/stand and play together. Alongside this, an inclusive seesaw was added which does require assistance but allows children of all abilities to take part, supporting shared play and inclusion across the playground.
To further support sensory and self regulating play, a spinning bowl was installed, offering children a calming retreat or an exciting sensory experience, depending on their needs. In addition, balance focused trim trail equipment was added, including stepping logs, a zig zag balance beam, and an incline beam, encouraging physical development, coordination, and confidence.
Additional seating was provided through recycled plastic benches, creating areas where children can take a quiet moment, relax, or observe their surroundings. To complete the space, extra fencing was installed to further secure the area, and sections were resurfaced with resin bonded mulch to create a cohesive finish that ties in with the existing surfacing.
0
