New Mill Junior School ARP, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Project Snapshot

School: New Mill Junior School ARP
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Client / Trust: Learning Accord Multi Academy Trust
Project Value: £35,000+
Completion: December 2025

The Brief
New Mill Junior School required a dedicated Additional Resource Provision (ARP) provision to support their evolving SEND requirements. An existing caretaker’s bungalow on site was identified for redevelopment into a specialist unit, with the surrounding gardens and outdoor areas needing to be transformed into a purposeful play space. The key challenge was creating a specialist, inclusive outdoor environment within a space that had not been originally designed for play or learning.

Our Solution
The solution was to strike a careful balance between play equipment and practical open space, while maintaining a strong focus on educational outcomes and working within a defined budget. An inviting, natural-feeling environment was created without the limitations of a traditional grass surface, ensuring year-round, all-weather access. Carefully selected equipment provides regulatory and sensory support for pupils, while offering staff the flexibility to differentiate activities and adapt the space to a range of needs.

What We Delivered

• On-site consultation with experienced consultants who understand SEND.
• Innovative and unique 3D design created by a dedicated playground designer.
• Made-to-order equipment manufactured in the UK using laminated play-grade timber.
• Assigned personal contract management, with work completed by experienced, enhanced DBS-certified playground engineers.
• Free independent post-installation inspection to verify the safety of the project.

The Outcome

• Artificial grass to create a natural-looking, all-weather surface, with a sensory planting bed border that will eventually provide privacy from the main road.
• Bespoke climbing unit and nest swing to support gross motor skills and sensory regulation.
• Moveable blocks offering task flexibility, which also double as seating.
• A range of tactile, musical, and mark-making panels providing a comprehensive sensory feedback experience.

“Working with ESP has been a pleasure from start to finish. Simon Holly was a delight to work with. His passion, creativity and genuine interest in the project were evident immediately, and he was a key reason we chose ESP. He understood SEN.

The pre-site meeting was extremely professional, and communicated throughout the installation was exemplary.

The installation team worked incredibly hard despite horrible weather conditions, and the speed of the installation was impressive. Most importnalty, the quality of the products is of the highest standard.

We are very much looking forward to having the infant ARP area completed in the next month. Thank you ESP”