A Bright, Exciting and Stimulating Space for
Wilden VA C of E Primary School
Headteacher, Leigh Pointon, wanted to provide his Early Years department with an aesthetically appealing outdoor area where pupils had more space to move around freely and independently whilst developing fine and gross motor skills.
Expert Playground Consultant, Mark Slatter, was able to advise and guide the Bedfordshire-based school by providing different options to cater for their budget whilst fully meeting pupils needs.
A Mixture of Surfacing Options to Create Different Zones
Playturf Artificial Grass was installed directly onto the existing tarmac surfacing. The outdoor space was instantly brightened, offering a soft, appealing, comfortable place for children to play. The new, natural feel surfacing is low maintenance, durable and suitable for use throughout the changing seasons.
The edging of the Artificial Grass Playturf was cut in a wavy, fluid line next to areas of coloured Safeturf. Yellow and ochre areas of Safeturf created dedicated, inviting zones for messy play.
Exploring Sand Play
Situated on top of the new safe turf area is a Covered Sand Box. The size of the box allows groups of children to work independently by selecting their own equipment, taking turns and sharing. Imagination is developed as pupils devise their own stories using figures and natural materials.
Sand play helps to increase children’s vocabulary as they describe the properties of sand and use equipment such as buckets, sieves, sand wheels, tunnels and rakes to explain their processes. The removable lid is quick and easy to use and creates a table once equipment has been stored away.
Rocking and Rolling!
Physical development has been greatly enhanced at Wilden Primary thanks to the addition of a set of Forest Roll Over Bars. Pupils have been working on their core and grip strength by swinging, hanging, climbing, clinging and balancing. The Roll Over Bars is used on a daily basis, allowing children to practise important gross motor skills safely.
A safer-impact shock pad layer was installed underneath the artificial grass play turf to ensure a cushioned landing.
Fabulous Fencing
To separate the EYFS outdoor space from the main KS1 playground we installed 31m of HDPE (High- Density Polyethylene) Bow Top Fencing around the perimeter of the space. This fencing option gives a bright and colourful rainbow border to any space and allows children to safely play in an enclosed area.
We added lockable fenced gates to ensure free flow and easy access between zones.
Wilden Primary commented, “We have enjoyed working with Pentagon Play and found the whole process easy to negotiate. Communication has been fantastic and any queries we had were quickly answered. We would recommend Pentagon Play to other schools.”
On our return visit to Wilden Primary, it was brilliant to see the EYFS pupils showing confidence when choosing their activities. Positive relationships were formed, with children playing cooperatively and taking turns. Pupils showed excellent control and coordination of movement and they just loved being outside exploring all that their new outdoor environment has to offer.
If you would like to redevelop your outdoor play space just like Wilden Primary School, then please get in contact with one of our friendly outdoor learning consultants here!
