To the right is a photo of the area before we developed the space.
From the initial site visit we were presented with a completely blank canvas at St Lawrence Primary which was an exciting opportunity to design a space with no limits other than the needs of the children who would use it. With the freedom to be creative, we set out to develop a proposal that not only transformed the area but also introduced a wide range of opportunities to encourage early years’ fundamental skill development through play.
The final design delivers a carefully balanced mix of sensory exploration, active play, imaginative play, and social interaction, ensuring that every element supports key areas of learning and growth. By maximising the versatility of the space, we created an environment that inspires curiosity, supports creativity, and nurtures the physical, social, and emotional development of young learners.
The area has been transformed into a space that brings together a wide variety of EYFS learning opportunities through purposeful play. For active play, a selection of low level trim trail pieces including an incline beam, zig zag balance beam and slalom beam helps children develop coordination, balance, and physical confidence, all set on a bright blue resin surface for both safety and visual appeal. Along the fencing, mark-making panels in chalkboard, dry wipe, and paint formats provide children with creative outlets to explore writing, drawing, and fine motor skills, blending learning with creative expression. At the heart of the space, a large timber canopy creates a central hub of activity, offering shade and shelter over a role play village complete with sand, mud, construction, and water play areas. This immersive environment is connected by a role play car track, complete with zebra crossings to introduce important lessons in road safety, encouraging children to learn through real world scenarios while they play. Together, these elements create a vibrant, versatile space that supports every aspect of early years development.
To bring the space to life, we introduced a range of immersive creative play areas, each designed to inspire imagination while supporting key EYFS development areas.
The construction zone is a sleeper retained area with a natural stone surface, giving children the feel of a real building site. Sturdy, durable play equipment forms the foundation of this space, including our themed construction bench that offers an open ended area for building and discovery, encouraging the development of motor skills and problem solving. We added complementary features such as HDPE weighing scales to help the children explore weight and balance, whilst our skip provides both a playful element and a practical storage solution for building materials. This area is perfect for pretend play, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
Beneath the timber canopy sits our large double sandpit with seating and HDPE lids to keep the sand clean and dry. Its robust design doubles as a social hub, where children can play side by side while developing sensory and fine motor skills.
Alongside is a mud zone, a favourite for messy, hands on play retained with sleepers to create a natural feel, it features a mud table with a removable HDPE lid for tidiness and ease of use. To elevate the experience, we customised our corner mud kitchen for the space, complete with a planting panel where children can grow herbs and natural materials to enrich their play. Fitted with hobs, knobs, an oven, bowls, dish, and generous storage, the mud kitchen is a staple for imaginative role play as it encourages recipe writing, social interaction, creativity, and sensory exploration.
The water wall adds another dynamic layer to the space. Children are fascinated as they direct the flow of water through chutes, guttering, and a water wheel, activated by a hand pump. This interactive feature supports hand eye coordination and motor skill development, all while keeping play exciting and engaging.
To support independence and responsibility, we also added two resource sheds, helping children practice organisation and tidy up routines. These robust storage solutions keep materials neatly housed, ensuring the space remains functional and inviting.
Finally, a standout feature of the development is the role play road track. Complete with road markings, traffic lights, give way line markings, and zebra crossings, it replicates real life scenarios in a safe and playful way. Children can ride along the track while learning vital road safety skills, combining fun with practical early education.
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