Endeavour Academy
We addressed the nursery and reception areas, aiming to bring about a significant transformation. The school wanted to establish two impressive “WOW” areas, which aligned with the curriculum requirements and cleverly tailored to fit within budget.
About the Project
Our focus was to revitalising the nursery and reception areas, striving to make a substantial impact. The school’s objective was to establish two standout areas, referred to as “WOW” zones, that align seamlessly with the curriculum and cleverly tailored to fit within their budget.
The school wanted a clear differentiation between the two age groups, illustrating a gradual progression in the complexity of the equipment. This approach was intended to foster natural development among the students.
Despite the school’s unconventional layout, we maximised an existing wetpour area, incorporating a small additional amount to meet BS EN1177 standards. This modification was tailored to complement the equipment and optimise the play space. Subsequently, we covered it with artificial grass, revitalising the area to create a distinct island within the playground. A similar transformation was applied to another area, fortunately a larger and simpler square, allowing for the incorporation of additional pieces of equipment.
In the Nursery Playground, we introduced a variety of Mini Trail Equipment, including the Tunnel Mound, Mini Swinging Steps, Mini Parallel Ropes, Set of 6 Stilts, Mini Slalom, and Mini Burma Bridge. These components aid children in enhancing their balance, fostering skills as they navigate the Burma Bridge and Stilts. Additionally, the equipment promotes the improvement of hand-eye coordination as children glide across the Swinging Steps and Parallel Ropes.
We installed further Mini Trail Equipment in the schools Reception are as well as our Sherwood Clamber Stack which enables children to experience a form of natural play, as they navigate and climb around the structure. It contributes to the development of their strength and balance while also encouraging them to assess and manage risks.
Subsequently, we incorporated sleeper retention in all the designated areas to introduce diverse surfacing textures and establish specific play zones. Both playgrounds featured a messy play area installation, comprising of Mud Kitchen, Mud Store Planters, Natural Logs and Log Stepping Stones, Mushroom Table and Chairs, Menu Chalkboard and Scales. This type of play sparks children’s curiosity and encourages ‘child-led’ learning opportunities. Our Mud Kitchen allows children to collaborate with each other, improving their language skills as they describe their different processes and recipes . Using different kitchen tools and weighing scales, helps them develop their fine motor skills and basic math’s. A chalk board provides the opportunity for children to express themselves and develop their handwriting skills. Our Mushroom Table and Seats is not just a great place to socialise but to lay out everything they have cooked up together in the kitchen.
For more Messy Play opportunities we added in a Water and Sand Play Area. Both of the areas encourage children to take on hands on activities, mathematical and science discoveries with their classmates. They can interact with the natural materials and understand the natural world whilst refining their fine motor skills, in a contained area. In the nursery, we installed a water wall panel with a hand pump and fixed pivoting guttering, flowing into a water table. The reception area features a more advanced water wall with a hand pump, movable gutters, and accessories, also cascading into a water table.
- Messy Play Area with Mud Kitchen, Mud Store, Mushroom Table & Chairs, Menu Chalkboard and Sensory Planters
- Nature Area with Mud Kitchen, Planter and Bird House
- Fence Mounted Musical Play Panels
- Mini Fitness & Adventure Trail – Tunnel Mound, Mini Swinging Steps, Mini Parallel Ropes ,Set of 6 Stilts, Mini Slalom and Mini Burma Bridge.
- Sherwood Clamber Stack
- Sand Play Areas with Stainless Steel Bowl, Sand Rail, Platforms & Scales
- Stage Area with Chalkboard Backdrop and Mushroom Seats
- Storytellers Chair with Mushroom Seats
- Tunnel Mound
- Water Play Areas with Water Wall/Water Play Panel and Tables
- Thermoplastic Markings
- Artificial Grass Surfacing on existing wetpour
“The children love their new playground it works so well whatever the weather! Our children absolutely love the sandpit and the bespoke treehouse! They especially enjoy building dens underneath the treehouse, turning it into their own little hideaway.”
Alison Cheetham, EYFS Lead
Higher Lane Primary School
Similar Projects
