Wood Field Primary School Playground Development

Wood Field Primary School approached us to transform an existing, tired KS1/KS2 playground area into an exciting, engaging and completely unique outdoor learning and play environment.

Overview

With a budget of £150,000, the brief was to create a space that would provide opportunities for physical challenge, sensory play and quieter, more reflective activities, while ensuring the finished development complemented the school’s natural surroundings.

The Brief

The school wanted the new area to:

Provide challenging physical play opportunities for KS1 and KS2 pupils
Incorporate sensory elements throughout the design
Include dedicated quiet and calming spaces
Create something bespoke and unique to the school
Make better use of the existing space and challenging ground levels
Provide a natural aesthetic that worked harmoniously with the surrounding environment

Overcoming the Ground Levels

One of the first challenges was the existing change in ground levels. The significant slope made the area feel much smaller than it actually was and limited the opportunities for creating a cohesive play space.

To maximise the available area, we excavated the slope and created a new level platform. A substantial timber retaining wall, supported by RSJs for additional structural strength, was installed to retain the ground and create a much more usable space.

This approach not only transformed the usability of the area but also allowed us to introduce a range of different play experiences across the newly created landscape.

A Bespoke Natural Climbing Feature

At the heart of the development is a bespoke timber climbing unit, designed specifically for Wood Field Primary School.

The structure was created to provide a high level of physical challenge while also incorporating sensory and imaginative elements. Sensory roof panels were integrated into the design, alongside natural-themed features including leaves and tree details.

The use of timber and natural design elements ensured the structure felt like a natural extension of the surrounding environment rather than a traditional piece of playground equipment.

Sensory & Imaginative Play

The sensory aspect of the development was enhanced with a nest swing and spinner, providing movement-based sensory experiences that can be enjoyed by pupils in different ways.

A dedicated quiet area was also created away from the more active elements of the playground. At its centre is a woodland hut, providing pupils with a quieter space for imaginative play, social interaction or simply taking time away from the busier areas of the playground.

This balance between high-energy physical challenge and calmer spaces was a key part of the overall design.

Natural Surfacing & Landscaping

To bring the entire scheme together, the existing area was completely re-surfaced using a combination of natural-looking artificial grass and natural-coloured wetpour.

The surfacing was carefully selected to complement the timber equipment and surrounding landscape, creating a softer, more natural appearance while providing practical and durable surfaces for everyday school use.

The area was completed with natural timber fencing, creating a defined and secure playground environment while maintaining the natural aesthetic.

Installation

The project was delivered over a three-week installation programme, with one week running into term time.

Careful planning and site management allowed the works to continue safely alongside the school’s normal operations, with the installation completed without disrupting the school day.

The Result

The completed development has transformed what was previously a challenging and under-utilised space into a multi-functional outdoor environment designed around challenge, sensory exploration, imagination and wellbeing.

The combination of bespoke timber equipment, natural materials, sensory features and dedicated quiet spaces creates an environment that feels unique to Wood Field Primary School and provides pupils with a wide variety of ways to engage with the outdoors.

Most importantly, the project demonstrates how challenging existing ground conditions can be turned into an opportunity to create a more interesting and dynamic playground design.

Project Summary

Client: Wood Field Primary School
Budget: £150,000
Installation: 3 weeks
Term-Time Works: 1 week, completed without disruption to the school day
Key Features: Bespoke timber climbing unit, sensory roof panels, nest swing, spinner, woodland hut, artificial grass, natural-coloured wetpour and timber retaining wall/fencing
Design Focus: Physical challenge, sensory play, quiet spaces and natural design