Oaklands Primary Academy, Biggin Hill, South London

Client Brief: Transform an underused, uneven outdoor area into a vibrant, multi-functional early years play and learning environment.
Budget: £50,000
Location: Bromley, Kent
Project Duration: 3 Weeks

The Brief
Oaklands Primary Academy approached us to transform a large, underused and uneven outdoor area into a vibrant, multi-functional space designed specifically for early years play and learning. The existing site presented several challenges, including uneven tarmac, outdated or unsafe equipment, and a lack of clearly defined play zones.

The school’s vision included the removal of a small shed and outdated climbing equipment, new fencing along the hedge line, and improved surfacing with a mix of tarmac and wetpour. They requested the upper and lower areas be divided using gated barriers, with a roadway loop on the lower section and safe wetpour surfacing on the upper level. They also wanted to introduce moveable climbing blocks, a performance stage, musical play area, and both sand and water play features.

Additional elements included the creation of a climbing trail positioned away from trees, a new pathway running through the grassy area, and the transformation of an existing bushy section into a fairy garden. This garden was to feature storytelling seating with mushroom stools, a bug hotel, a wooden hut, a hollow log, and natural planters — all accessed through a whimsical archway entrance.

Our Approach
We began with site preparation, removing the smallest shed and the existing climbing tower, which no longer met the school’s safety or play needs. Uneven tarmac areas were levelled as much as possible, and the site was prepared for the installation of wetpour and artificial grass to create safer and more accessible surfaces.

To enhance both safety and play value, we divided the space into clearly defined zones. A gated divide was installed at the top of the steps, helping to separate the upper and lower play levels. Safety barriers were added along the top of the wall to prevent equipment being placed where children might be tempted to climb. The upper area was resurfaced with wetpour, ideal for physical play, while the lower area was designed with a tarmac roadway loop — perfect for trikes, scooters, and imaginative road play.

In terms of physical development, we designed a climbing trail on the grassy area, carefully positioned away from the trees to avoid root hazards and ensure all-season usability. On the upper level, we introduced moveable climbing blocks to encourage gross motor development and creative construction.

For imaginative and sensory play, we built a stage and musical play area that supports performances and role play. A sand and water play station was added to promote collaborative learning and sensory development. One of the most unique transformations was the conversion of the existing bushes into a magical fairy garden. This space now includes a storytelling circle with mushroom stools, a bug hotel to support outdoor learning and biodiversity, a charming wooden hut and a hollow log for small-world play. The garden is now accessed through a bespoke archway, adding an inviting and whimsical entrance feature to the space.

To improve access and connectivity, a new pathway was laid through the grass, linking the key zones and incorporating a surfaced central area ideal for moving play blocks and rotating activity setups throughout the year.

Before & After Photos
Before the transformation, the outdoor space at Oaklands was uneven, underused, and filled with outdated or unsafe equipment. Zones were undefined, and there were limited opportunities for creative or physical play. 

After the transformation, the space is now safe, engaging, and inclusive. It features modern surfacing and custom play elements, clearly defined activity zones, a fairy tale-themed garden, and a thoughtful layout that promotes imaginative play, movement, and sensory learning.

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Outcome
This project delivered a complete transformation within the allocated £50,000 budget and tight three-week timeline. The final result is a bright, stimulating, and versatile outdoor learning environment that supports exploration, creativity, and play across all early years areas. The mix of natural textures and built features gives children a place where they can learn through movement, storytelling, role play, sensory discovery, and physical challenge.

Key Features Installed:

• Wetpour surfacing
• Custom climbing trail & freestanding moveable blocks
• Musical stage area
• Roadway 
• Water/sand play
• Storytelling garden 
• Archway entrance
• Bug hotel, wooden hut, and sensory elements
• Gated barriers and new fencing

Client Feedback
“The children absolutely love the new space. It’s safer, more exciting, and gives us so much more flexibility with our outdoor learning. The fairy garden is a favourite!”