Ditcham Park School, Hampshire

Ditcham Park School is a co-educational Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 – 16 situated in the middle of the South Downs National Park, with spectacular views of the rolling Hampshire hills and south across the Solent as far as the Isle of Wight.
Their aim is to provide an outstanding education, which equips the pupils with excellent academic qualifications and self-confidence and prepares them for the future.

The Challenge

The existing reception provision was dull and uninviting with a mix of old coloured wetpour and artificial grass that due to age was showing signs of wear and shrinkage making the area unsafe with trip hazards. The equipment they had was old, worn and not challenging for the children. The space was long and narrow so making the best use of the space was essential.

The Solution

ESP levelled the surface eliminating the trip hazards. The playground was transformed with a natural theme using a mix of artificial grass and rubber mulch surfacing incorporating a sensory roadway in the middle of the space. We added one of our Tangle Wood structures to the centre of the roadway creating a physical activity area. A sand zone with a pully system and mud zone with kitchens and tables were positioned at each end of the area to help with imaginative play and to increase fine and gross motor skills. A shelter, seating, tables, chalkboard and storage cupboards were included to provide an outdoor learning zone.

Feedback

“ESP was one of three companies who submitted a design for the reception area. ESP’s design was the best and was chosen over the other two because of the design, the scope of the equipment and cost.
The installers were a very likeable and cooperative bunch who worked hard in very unfavourable conditions.
I would recommend ESP to other schools and would also work with ESP again on any future projects”.