Founded in 2003, ESP PLAY began with a simple goal: transform traditional school playgrounds into meaningful spaces for learning, development, and wellbeing. From a small initiative, we have grown into one of the UK’s leading providers of playground equipment, with our reach now extending internationally.

In the early 2000s, children were becoming increasingly sedentary, choosing screens over outdoor play. This trend affected physical health, mental wellbeing, and social skills. ESP’s founding team recognised the risks and sought a solution: rethink the playground.

We imagined 21st-century playgrounds that included every child, not just the sporty or outgoing. Traditional playgrounds were often uninspiring and temporary. ESP pioneered durable thermoplastic playground markings designed to support the PE curriculum, encourage inclusive play, and develop fundamental movement skills. Backed by nationally accredited teacher training, our designs helped teachers deliver PE confidently and children participate fully—turning play into a tool for physical literacy.

As demand grew, schools began asking if we supplied traditional playground equipment. This led us to expand and become a UK manufacturer of innovative, inclusive playground equipment for children from age 2 up to adults.

ESP is now a trusted name in education, housing, leisure, and local authority sectors across the UK and globally. Our mission remains: to create play environments that inspire confidence, support development, and enhance physical and mental wellbeing.

What began as a response to a growing concern has evolved into a movement, driven by purpose, backed by research, and trusted by schools, councils, developers, and communities worldwide.