Hatfield Heath Community Primary School, Essex

The Challenge

As the lead school in the Learning Partnership Trust, Hatfield Heath is situated in a leafy setting on the Essex, Hertfordshire border. The site has an abundance of green space. With grass covering 70% of the EYFS provision, the opportunity for outdoor learning was limited for large periods of the year. The Deputy Headteacher, Michelle Collier contacted ESP to help find a solution that met the needs of the children, fit within the green setting, and worked with a limited budget

The Solution

The success of the design was complimenting the schools stunning grounds but offering a practical resource that could be used in all weathers. This was achieved using a series of sensory surfaces including artificial grass, resin bound gravel and a block paving roadway as the centre piece. The roadway contains several textured sections to enhance the learning and sensory experience. Keeping to the natural theme, the playground was complemented with a climbing piece from our wildwood range and a purpose-built mud and water area designed to the schools’ specific needs.

Feedback
“We are over the moon with the garden and were so impressed with the construction team who worked in 40-degree heat to get the garden done. We would definitely work with ESP again as the whole process has been extremely well managed and Simon, Mark (and yourself) have always been on hand to advise and reassure us! We would also be more than happy for other local schools to have a look at the work carried out here should they be thinking of using ESP themselves”.
Michelle Collier, Deputy Headteacher