Essa Primary Academy
Various areas of physical, social, sensory and imaginative play was the main focus of this large project.
.
About the Project
Following the construction of a brand new school building, Essa Primary School came to us to help bring life to their the new basis playground. The builders created a number of different play spaces which we contributed towards creating a new and exciting outdoor space with equipment to help support the curriculum and develop it’s students.
The EYFS play area needed some key features to help with development milestones. We created our first Sunbeam unit which was later developed into a modular range of EYFS physical play units. With the teacher we decided on the best play elements which would help with balance, co-ordination and strength for it’s young users. There are two different platform heights which help encourage progression and increase the challenge subtly, and then different access ad egress routes to cater to varying levels of confidence and ability. For the tentative user there are low steps which they can easily travel up and down if the higher platform is to daunting along with a set of timber ladders. Then we have a rock ramp with pull up rope and a net rope for those more adventurous characters. There is also a quieter space under the taller platform great for den making, the non-descript nature of the unit also for children’s imaginations to run wild whilst they play in the tower. One day it could be a castle they are trying to defend, the next it could be a tree house in the enchanted forests.
A sand pit with vinyl covers and free standing mud kitchen were also fitted to encourage messy play where children can take on hands on activities, mathematical and science discoveries with their classmates. The opportunities are endless!
A storytellers area with chair and modular bench seating is also a great place for outdoor learning, whether it be teacher or student led, stories can be created and told or poems recited to help with children literacy and speaking skills as well as imaginative play.
In the Key Stage 1 and 2 playgrounds we looked install a wide range equipment from basic recessed goals on the sport focused playground to challenging fitness and adventure trails and spaces for the classroom to be taken outdoors.
The fitness and adventure trail located on the grass areas next to the main playground were a great space to encourage physical play and develop children’s strength, co-ordination and agility. There was a range of low and high level equipment to cater to varying ages and abilities. A Burma Bridge and balance beam are great to develop balance and confidence before children attempt the more challenging Monkey Bars and Trapeze. All mixed in with products like the Swinging Steps, Cross Ropes and Vertical Scramble Net which are good middle ground developing products. Grow through grass matting was then used to cover the critical fall heigh of the varying units, this not only allows for the area to stay looking natural once the grass has grown through and covered the matting but also help the access be retained to the equipment all year round.
A large ‘A’ Frame Shelter has also been installed to provide some shade and coverage from the elements to allow children outdoors whatever the weather. The shelter is big enough to sit a standard class of children to allow learning to come out side or house multiple groups of socialising peers during break times.
Dotted around the grounds we install various post mounted play panels for children to enjoy – music play panels are great to foster the arts and creativity whilst the sensory and interactive games panels will challenge children’s problem solving abilities and competitiveness with puzzles and games.
- Outdoor Classroom
- Sandbox
- Storytelling Area
- Mud Kitchen
- MUGA
- Music Panels
- Play Panels
- Fitness/Adventure Trail
- Sunbeam Climbing Structure
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
Similar Projects
