The Brief:

The client wanted an imaginative outdoor play zone for an SEN
school for children who had physical & learning additional
needs. The existing play equipment & surfacing had become
unusable as it was end of life. The area had built up planters
that restricted the space and the accessibility to the area
which the school asked us to remove.

Equipment Installed:

We removed existing timber equipment and safety surfacing
and replaced with an inclusive castle themed play unit which
was bespoke designed to cater for the schools’ needs.
The school did not want accessible ramps as they do not
offer play value and asked if we could expand our castle unit
so wheelchair users could access the castle centrally whilst
providing a play experience.
We provided this along with a sensory tower in the middle
that children of all abilities could access. The theme of
the area was imaginative play which included shop front
role play and an accessible car. We installed a sensory
path leading up to the play panels so the children could
experience different textures in the play space.
The surfacing was completely replaced so the
area was accessible to all the children.

The Challenges:

Access to the working area was a challenge because the play
area was in a courtyard. We had to carry each component of
each play unit from the car park, through the school corridor
and into the courtyard.