Scargill Infants School

About the Project

The Customer and Objectives

When Scargill Infants School set out to expand their nursery area, they wanted to make the most of their existing outdoor space, transforming part of the playground into an extension of the nursery specifically designed to meet the needs of their SEND pupils. The goal was to create a stimulating, sensory-rich environment that encouraged creativity, exploration, and independent learning.

Our Approach

We worked closely with the EYFS Lead and Head Teacher to understand their vision and the specific requirements of their pupils. The design focused on:

• Sensory engagement – providing a variety of textures, sounds, and visual stimuli to support sensory development.

• Inclusive play – ensuring every child could access, enjoy, and benefit from the space.

• Active and imaginative exploration – promoting physical activity, creative thinking, and social interaction.

Our approach combined hands-on learning opportunities, sensory stimulation, and imaginative play elements to create a multifunctional space that encourages curiosity and independence.

Key Features

The playground expansion includes a wide variety of sensory, educational, and imaginative play features:

• Multi-coloured canopy – offering shade and visual stimulation while creating an inviting, vibrant environment.

• Mark-making and digging planters – supporting creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration.

• Sensory, games, educational, and musical panels – catering to a range of developmental needs and providing interactive learning opportunities.

• Sensory pathway – encouraging movement, balance, and engagement with different textures.

• Discovery Hut – a focal point for imaginative play, den-making, and quiet reading, offering children a safe, inspiring space to explore.

• Balance boxes, den-making area, workbench, bucket & rope pulley with posts, and builders’ yard – promoting physical activity, problem-solving, and collaborative play.

Feedback and Impact

The new nursery playground has had a profound impact on the children’s play experiences. Pupils are fully engaging with every part of the space, exploring their senses, getting stuck into digging in the planters, and interacting enthusiastically with the wall panels. They are loving the freedom to lead their own play, choosing where to explore and how to use the different areas, which has encouraged creativity, independence, and problem-solving. The Discovery Hut has become a particular favourite, offering opportunities for hiding, role-play, and quiet reading in a safe, immersive environment.

Staff have observed significant benefits, including:

• Creative development – children invent games, explore imaginative scenarios, and experiment with different play elements.

• Sensory exploration – pupils engage with a variety of textures, sounds, and interactive features, supporting sensory regulation and enjoyment.

• Confidence and independence – children confidently navigate the space, make choices, and collaborate with peers.

• Emotional and cognitive growth – the playground encourages problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation through play.

The Head Teacher summed up the impact the new play space is having, saying:
“Just want to say thank you so much. It looks amazing! The team have been great and done a fantastic job, as we knew your team would – we didn’t expect anything less. Thank you so much for solving the gate situation so quickly. Please thank all the members of your team for us – we are so pleased.”

• Discovery Hut
• Interactive Play Panels: Sensory, Games, Educational and Musical
• Digging Planters
• Work Bench, Builders Yard, Bucket & Rope Pulley System with posts
• Den Making
• Balance Boxes (Set of 12)
• Sensory Pathway
• Multi-coloured Canopy
• Mark Making Boards
• Wetpour Rubber Surfacing with Graphics