Projects

Brief

Due to the school extending to another site, they got back in contact with us looking to revamp a new area aimed at approximately 55 children from 15-18 years old with complex special educational needs. They initially requested the area to have elements of shelter with seating inside they also wanted some picnic tables within the area. They asked for products aimed at physical play such as gym equipment, swings and target panels. To link the areas up they wanted a wheelchair accessible path throughout the area. We had continuous communication with the school to ensure the area was perfect for their needs.

Solution

After receiving the brief for the area at the Retford Leisure centre we created a design incorporating everything they needed. Based on what we knew about the school and areas they had develop in the past, we offered additional products that we believed would best suite the children’s needs and better the area while keeping close to the brief and remain in budget.

Project Details

Active play

We installed inclusive and accessible physical play equipment that would provide stimulation for the vestibular and proprioceptive senses - two critical systems that help children with balance, coordination, and body awareness. This included Swings, Satellite Carousel,  and Inclusive Roundabout.

We also installed a large Fitness Rig that would create appropriate challenge for the children, to help them develop their strength and agility, as well as accessible Gym Equipment.

MUGA

It was important that the students had a facility where they could take part in sports matches and games – having a Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) is a great way of encouraging physical activity and social interaction between peers, while also improving a child’s confidence and resilience. We installed this MUGA to have football and basketball lines, using our Multi-Play Artificial Sports Grass, Senior Goal Ends and Twin Mesh Fencing.

Shade and seating area

We included a Shade Net Pergola with benches and Jumbo Chalkboards into the design; this gives children a space to sit out of the sun and have some time to relax and self-regulate, as well as providing an outdoor classroom for teaching. Picnic Tables were added to the design as an additional space for the students to sit and interact with each other promoting social skills and communication.

Sensory Play

To help develop creativity and self-expression, we included a Rainbow Trio Ensemble - these products are suitable for wheelchair users and are a colourful way to add music in to the area. Musical instruments help to develop motor skills and encourage self-expression and social interaction. We also added Play Panels to provide tactile stimulation for students and provide a sensory output.

Result

Following the install some of our office team had the opportunity to visit the school and see the finished area.

“It’s always amazing when we get to work on unique projects like St Giles and this was the second full area I was given the opportunity to design for them. I loved getting to develop this area. I appreciated being given the chance to return to the site after the install and see how much the students enjoyed using products we’d installed for them.” - Megan, Head of Playground Design