Hurst Green Primary School, Halesowen, West Midlands

Project Snapshot

Case Study: Transforming Outdoor Learning for Hurst Green Primary School’s Additional Resource Provision

The Brief

Like many schools across the UK, Hurst Green Primary School has seen a growing demand for specialist provision to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). To meet this need, the school established a new Additional Resource Provision (ARP) classroom and recognised the importance of creating an outdoor environment that would extend learning beyond the classroom walls.

The Headteacher approached several playground providers to design a dedicated SEND play space that would meet the diverse needs of the pupils. However, the project presented a significant challenge.

The Challenge

Alongside the ARP classroom was an area of green space with enormous potential. Unfortunately, it was separated from the main outdoor area by a busy pedestrian thoroughfare, changes in ground level, and mature trees and shrubs. Previous playground companies had advised that the area could not realistically be incorporated into the project and suggested the school would need to appoint a separate contractor to carry out the necessary groundwork and landscaping.

Rather than seeing these constraints as barriers, we saw an opportunity.

Our Solution

Our design transformed the site into two connected but distinct outdoor learning environments, making full use of the available space while overcoming the site’s physical challenges.

We created two unique, self-contained play areas on either side of the access path, linking them seamlessly by constructing a bespoke staircase and a sensory archway. This provided direct, intuitive access between the two spaces while creating a sense of journey and exploration for the children.

The result was a cohesive outdoor environment that feels like a natural extension of the ARP classroom.

Extending the Classroom Outdoors

The first zone was designed as an outdoor learning space where pupils can explore, create and learn in a calm, supportive environment.

Features include:

• A polycarbonate-roofed canopy providing all-weather outdoor learning.
• A mud kitchen to encourage imaginative and sensory play.
• Sand and water play facilities supporting exploration and collaborative learning.
• Soft safety surfacing to create a comfortable and accessible environment for a wide range of outdoor classroom activities.

This space enables staff to take learning outdoors while providing pupils with opportunities for sensory engagement, creativity and social interaction.

Supporting Physical Development and Self-Regulation

The second area focuses on movement, physical development and emotional regulation within a calming garden-inspired setting.

Key features include:

• A nest swing for inclusive swinging and vestibular stimulation.
• A spinning bowl to support balance, coordination and sensory integration.
• An open-ended role play house encouraging imaginative and social play.
• Interactive sensory panels providing tactile and visual stimulation.

Designed with wellbeing in mind, this space allows children to regulate movement, develop confidence and enjoy active play within a peaceful, nature-inspired setting.

Connecting Spaces and Futureproofing Accessibility

The two areas are unified by a sensory pathway that encourages exploration and movement between the zones.

Beyond the playground itself, we also installed an extended accessible pathway connecting to the wider school grounds. Designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids, this not only improves immediate accessibility but also futureproofs the school’s outdoor environment as its SEND provision continues to grow.

The Outcome

By delivering a complete design-and-build solution, we enabled Hurst Green Primary School to realise the full potential of a challenging site that others had dismissed.

The finished playground provides a seamless extension of the ARP classroom, combining outdoor learning, sensory exploration, imaginative play and physical development within an inclusive, accessible environment. Most importantly, it gives pupils a purpose-designed space where they can learn, play and regulate in ways that best support their individual needs.

This project demonstrates how innovative design and a willingness to challenge convention can unlock opportunities where others see limitations, creating outdoor environments that genuinely improve outcomes for children with SEND.

This project demonstrates how innovative design and a willingness to challenge convention can unlock opportunities where others see limitations, creating outdoor environments that genuinely improve outcomes for children with SEND.

Kellie Wilson, Headteacher

“We couldn’t be happier with the service we received from ESP. From the very first design meeting through to installation and final sign-off, the whole team was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in creating the right solution for our school.ESP worked with us to transform an underused area into a fantastic sensory garden and outdoor continuous provision space for our children with additional needs.They took the time to understand our vision and produced a thoughtful design that perfectly matched our brief. The quality of both the products and workmanship is outstanding, and the finished space has exceeded our expectations.Communication throughout the project was excellent. The team was always responsive, accommodating and proactive, making what could have been a complex project feel straightforward from start to finish. We were also particularly impressed by the fact that their equipment is independently safety validated and backed by extensive guarantees, giving us real confidence in the longevity and safety of the investment.Most importantly, the impact on our pupils has been significant. The new space has transformed our provision, giving our children a calm, engaging and accessible outdoor environment that supports their learning, wellbeing and development every day.I would have no hesitation in recommending ESP to any school looking for a high-quality playground or outdoor learning specialist. Their professionalism, expertise and commitment to delivering an exceptional result have been outstanding.”