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.