During the summer holidays of 2024 we returned to Waterloo Primary School to tranformed two more of their areas and you won't believe what they were like before (Scroll down to the bottom to see). These areas needed to be specially designed to offer a unique environment tailored to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in their social, sensory, and cognitive development.
The finalised area now includes sensory-friendly spaces with tactile play panels and adaptive swings, all designed to encourage exploration and growth. Structured play zones encourage interaction in a calm setting, promoting social skills while allowing children to self-regulate. This playground empowers children with ASD to engage at their own pace and comfort level, fostering inclusivity, play-based learning, and community connection in a safe, welcoming space.
For phase one, we installed 'Ivy Screening' along all of the top existing fencing of both of the two areas. Due to privacy reasons the school wanted to make the outdoor spaces more private and artifical screening is a great option to do this whilst still fitting it in with the playground atmosphere. Initally these areas were septerated into 5 different learning sections...now those 5 spaces have been totally transformed into 2 much more open and inviting areas for children to enjoy learning, playing and growing within.
Area 1 - One of the main changes we did, was through surfacing. Artificial Grass Surfacing now covers alot of the areas and it makes it feel to much more bright, comfy and inviting.
Car Track - Physical Play Area
We created a tarmac road track with features such as: a layby, petrol pump, speed bumps and zebra crossings. A road track offers opportunities for children to engage in active play while improving their balance, coordination, and gross motor skills as they go round. In the centre of the road track we included one of our popular Clamber Stack Midi's on black wetpour surfacing to add a place for children to develop their physical movement, stability, agility and to encourage confidence growth and socialisation as they climb up and across of variety of logs, nets and ropes.
Outdoor Classroom
We also designed a bespoke,Timber Canopyalong the school building with one of our Resource Sheds and Circular Picnic Tables undernath for accessible storage and seating for outdoor learning and socialising.
Storage
Part of this area needed to still house all of the school industrial bins. The space lacked organisation, so we bespoke made the school a bin store using close board fencing with a double gate along the front, so now all of the bins can be stored away out of sight and reach of children and also be accessed easily when needed.
Imaginative & Sensory Play
Teepee
The teepee provides a cozy, semi-enclosed space that encourages imaginative role-playing and storytelling. It also serves as a quiet retreat for children seeking a break from the playground's busier areas, helping those with sensory sensitivities self-regulate in a safe, inviting environment.
Sensory Play Panels
These interactive panels are designed to stimulate touch and sight. Featuring spinnign and textural elements, they engage children in hands-on exploration. The panels support fine motor skill development and cognitive growth while encouraging social interaction as children work together to solve challenges or create patterns.
Continuing to the bottom of Area 1, we designed a space for more physical play fun and sensory adventure!
Basket Swing
The basket swing offers a safe, supportive space for children. Its wide surface allows for group use, encouraging social interaction, while the gentle, rhythmic motion provides sensory input that can help soothe and regulate children.
Musical Chime Trees
These chimes create pleasant, melodic sounds when struck, providing auditory stimulation that can help develop sensory processing skills. Positioned at various heights, the chimes are accessible to children of all physical abilities and encourage cooperative play as children create music together.
Inground Trampoline
The inground trampoline is a favorite for promoting physical activity and motor skill development. Its flush design ensures accessibility for children who use mobility aids, while the jumping motion supports vestibular stimulation, helping children with ASD build coordination and confidence in a safe, inclusive environment.
Area 2 -
Physical Play
The physical play elements are inviting, fun and great for encouraging active exploration. The main features is one of our sturdy timber basket swings, its broad seat perfect for group or solo play. Adjacent to the swing are a set of twin pull-up bars, crafted from durable materials and set at varying heights to cater to different ages and abilities, encouraging strength and agility. Nearby, an in-ground trampoline is seamlessly integrated into the surfacing, offering a safe and exhilarating bouncing experience for all children.
Sensory Play
The sensory elements to the area create a place for exploration and discovery, designed to engage the senses and inspire curiosity. Colourful sensory panels mounted along the fence, offer a variety of textures and interactive elements, inviting children to touch, spin, and explore patterns. Nearby, a set of music bongos encourages rhythmic play, allowing little hands to create joyful beats. The rain wheel adds a soothing auditory element, as children spin it to hear the gentle trickle of rain-like sounds. Completing the experience are chimes that produce soft, melodic tones when touched, bringing a touch of harmony to the play area. Together, these features create a captivating environment where children can immerse themselves in sensory-rich activities, sparking creativity and sensory awareness.
Imaginative Play
Towards the back of the area, underneath the existing canopy - there is a circular picnic table that provides to both relax, learn and socialise. Along one side of the space, wall-mounted concave and convex mirrors add a playful, interactive element, delighting children with their funhouse reflections and sparking curiosity. Tucked neatly nearby is a resource storage shed, blending seamlessly with the environment while keeping equipment, and supplies organized and easily accessible. The combination of functional features and engaging elements makes this space a perfect blend of convenience and fun.
