Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School – Griffin Schools Trust

In April 2021, ESP was selected to submit a proposal for the development of an EYFS space. During the meeting with stakeholders in May 2021, it was apparent the expected delivery timescales needed adjustment. The client wished to select a contractor who could complete the work by September 2021. Considering a three-week design lead time and the client’s need for ample time to review all received proposals, the earliest announcement of the project award was anticipated to be mid-June. ESP clarified from the beginning that the school’s preferred lead time was unattainable for any reputable company. This transparency was well-received by all involved, and planning continued with the Winter term as the new target.

The Brief – The current space serves a two-form entry nursery and reception with 120 pupils. The existing facilities had exceeded their functional lifespan, necessitating a complete clearance of both fixed and non-fixed equipment and surfacing. Well-defined zoning plan and comprehension of curriculum outcomes are essential design prerequisites for EYFS zones. Evidence was necessary in the form of fully rendered virtual designs, accompanied by follow-up consultations to showcase our concepts. Additionally, the school had provided mood boards that included sand and water play, planting , climbing, and spaces for performance and drama, among others. Teachers were eager to move away from portable play as it was deemed time consuming to set up and emphasis should be on the children to initiate their own play. Design layouts were left to our artistic interpretation and expertise.

The Outcome – Honesty is the best policy! Having advised the client of extended lead times from the outset, this ultimately afforded the school sufficient time to finesse the proposal to meet their exact requirements. The fundamentals of the design were achieved in the first draft. Through open dialogue and more realistic timelines, all practitioners were able to contribute until the proposal met their vision. The final outcome is a comprehensive redesign of the play area, encompassing both hard and soft landscaping, executed by ESP as a turnkey solution. The project received approval in October 2021 and the work began in December of the same year. The school was originally reluctant to develop during term time. However, their concerns were alleviated by ESP’s diligent work program and timelines, which were strictly followed. The £100,000 EYFS project took 7 months from conception through to works completion. The installation itself took just 3 weeks to complete.

The school and trust are thrilled with their installation. Not only do they now have a zero maintenance space it’s also practical and purposeful which will serve their pupils for years to come. A stunning example from our Playground Case Studies