Burchetts Green C of E Infant School
About the Project
We have collaborated with Markland Hill Primary School on several initiatives and projects. We customised each design of the playground to align seamlessly with the school’s visionary approach of embracing life in all its fullness. Our focus was not only on providing a space for flourishing but also on enhancing the quality of their curriculum. This tailored approach aimed to create a playground that not only resonated with the school’s values but also contributed to an enriched and holistic educational.
The school’s vision for a natural-looking playground, featuring organic shapes, was brought to life by creatively utilising the existing slopes and grassy hills. We incorporated natural Scottish boulders and tree trunks to form a captivating retaining structure along the perimeter. Landscape logs were placed to contain the sandy areas, and to create an inviting area, which blends in with the school’s surroundings.
We designed and built a large Sandpit which allows children to work independently or in groups as they take turns using different tools and explore natural elements. Inside of the sandpit we added in two Play Platforms and a Bucket with Pulley System to encourage role play. Children’s imagination and language is broadened as they explain their different processes using the different apparatus such as, Sand Transporter, Sand Bowl with Sieve, Sand Wheel and Sand Chute. Sand Play harnesses children’s spontaneous exploration to help them learn. Children explore their curiosity, develop initiative, focus and persistence.
The school’s existing ‘Messy Play Area,’ initially a simple section, underwent a transformative upgrade to become a purposeful space. Our redesign introduced landscape log retention to house loose-fill play bark, alongside a dedicated mud store/digging pit. To elevate the experience, we creatively repositioned the mud kitchen, adding a menu chalkboard and a set of scales, enriching play possibilities for the pupils.
Beyond aesthetic enhancements, this redesign brought forth numerous benefits such as allowing the pupils to improve on their fine motor skills. The mud kitchen’s new features encouraged language development as students described various processes and recipes, fostering a holistic learning environment. Additionally, the redesign promoted ‘child-led’ learning opportunities, empowering students to take charge of their play and exploration, thereby enhancing their overall cognitive and developmental growth.
We introducing a log ladder with a pull-up rope on a nearby embankment as this not only adds excitement but also addresses safety concerns related to children running on slopes. The log ladder provides a structured and guided way for children to play, promoting the development of gross motor skills such as balance, strength, and hand-eye coordination. This intentional design transforms the natural landscape into a valuable tool for enhancing physical growth and development.
- Natural Style Sand Pit with Log Retention, Boulders and Tree Trunk Stepping Stones
- Sand Transporter with Decking Play Platforms
- Sand Chute with Platform
- Sand Bowl and Wheel
- Mud Kitchen Area with Log Retention, Bark Surfacing, Post Mounted Chalkboard & Scales
- Bonded Rubber Mulch Surfacing
- Embankment Log Ladder with Pull Up Ropes
Blackshaw Primary School
“Both playgrounds look so different! The children love it and are having a great time exploring their new equipment”
Julie Carrington , Business Manager
Handcross Park School
“It has now had two terms of busy use and still every day it makes me smile – and the children too. It is such a magical space with so much opportunity”
Jason Gayler, Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery
The Peterborough School
“The design, equipment and overall service was of a very high standard.”
Chris Charlton, Bursar
Batley Grammar School
“I can’t tell you how happy we are with the work and how the plans have come to fruition, thank you to you and all the team at Playground Imagineering.”
Karen Dack, Business Manager
The Cathedral School
“Great value and a quick turnaround, the playground was transformed in just 3 days.”
Mrs Wiskin, Headteacher
Beaumont Primary School
“It was the best design and most competitively priced quotation… they really brought our ideas to life!”
Victoria Griffiths , EYFS Lead
Hindley Junior and Infant School
“The design and finished installation was exactly what we had in mind…the children love it!”
Steven Hyde, Site Manager
Holy Trinity Primary School
“We love the bridge over the tunnel and more importantly, so do the children… it’s been a great success.”
Maggie Thomson, Business Manager
Urmston Infant School
“Playground Imagineering’s bespoke climbing structure was the perfect solution to utilise an awkward space.”
Mark Doherty , Deputy Headteacher
Rupert House School
“Playground Imagineering’s initial design was excellent and they were happy to make the few tweaks we asked for to ensure we got exactly what we wanted. Not only did they deliver the design they also did it on time and to a very high standard. I have no hesitation in recommending their services.”
Mr Kim Rawlingson, Bursar
Avondale Primary School
“It was difficult to envisage what could be achieved with our long, narrow outdoor area. Playground Imagineering’s choice of equipment and well thought out design has completely transformed transformed the playground and utilised the space perfectly.”
Vicky Brown, Headteacher
St John’s Primary School
“We have used Playground Imagineering for a number of projects and they have always exceeded our expectations.”
Mark Speakman, Headteacher
St. Thomas’s Primary School
“A professional approach was taken throughout and our pupils are delighted with the new equipment.”
Sheryl Farnworth, Headteacher
St. Michael’s Primary School
“The new play areas have greatly enhanced our provision and provided our pupils with many hours of enjoyable learning and development opportunities. For much of the work, the children’s ideas have also been carefully incorporated by the Playground Imagineering team into the equipment and areas they have provided. The attention to detail has been greatly valued.”
Alison Hart, Headteacher
St. Hugh of Lincoln Primary School
“After obtaining three quotes for our playground project, we decided to go with Playground Imagineering for the following reasons: I was very impressed with their presentation and proposal as they planned the project with our needs in mind and I felt I was receiving a bespoke service rather than an off the peg solution. As a result the product matches our needs and that of the site perfectly. They were always professional, responsive and when changes were requested, they were dealt with smoothly and without question. I would have no hesitation in recommending Playground Imagineering.”
Mark Mountcastle , Headteacher
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