SEND Playground at St Giles School
Starburst sensory play panel
St Giles School in Retford is a school for children and young people aged between 3 and 18 who have a Education Health and Care plan. They wanted to create an area that would become a fundamental part of school life, by combining different 'play zones'. This colourful and creative sensory play area has an array of different playground equipment designed to develop key skills for children with special eduactional needs and disabilties.
When considering designing spaces for children with SEND, our design team understand the importance of all children having the same learning opportunities when it comes to outdoor play - that’s why we always consider and incorporate the needs of all children when creating adaptive spaces where children can play together without barriers.The installation involved a variety of equipment, all providing a multitude of different textures, sounds and visual stimuli to allow pupils to engage their senses in explatory play, while still being inclusive, accessible and wheelchair friendly.
Equipment uses and development opportunities:
Various Play Panels - touch, sight, sound, feel, cognitive development & fine motor skills.
Grass Top Seating - a place to stop and relax, have some quiet time alone or socialise with friends.
Playground Stage - role play opportunities and chalkboard backdrop for creativity.
Timber Teepees - innovative play features, quiet place or den building activities.
Sand & Water Play - sensory, mathematics, problem-solving and fine motor skills.
Gym Equipment - social and physical development with fun swinging features.
Mobile Rainbow Blocks - creative play, problem-solving and physical development.