Good play equipment is the core of all school playgrounds, but finding the best combination of practical play equipment and learning opportunities can be important.

School playgrounds offer a way for children to develop skills that will matter in the wider world, so a well-made playground can be a key part of their development.

We are a team of experienced playground designers and installers with a real passion for giving younger students the perfect outdoor classrooms, working with schools to provide high-quality playground equipment for a range of ages.

Why Use Us?

We are a well-accredited team of school playground experts who can provide a vast range of high-quality playground equipment to schools all across the UK.

Our certified team and the equipment we offer have received approval from major organisations like CHAS and Constructionline.

Ten years of experience back up our ability to provide a wide variety of school playground equipment. We work closely with each client to deliver the best school playgrounds for their available space and needs, ensuring that children have plenty of opportunities for physical activity and development.

Our connections with suppliers allow us to offer school playground equipment at a reduced price point, passing savings onto the schools and sites that we work with.

Types of Playground Equipment for School Playgrounds

There are many different types of playground equipment used across the UK, many of which are meant to help with specific kinds of physical activity, development, or simply fun. Our team can offer a long list of options for newly built playgrounds, including:

Climbing Frames or Play Towers

Climbing frames come in various forms, such as monkey bars, rope nets, or artificial rock walls. These structures challenge children’s agility, strength, and coordination as they navigate climbing routes.

Monkey bars, in particular, encourage upper body strength and endurance, while rope nets and walls build both physical confidence and problem-solving skills.

Swings

Swings are a timeless piece of playground equipment that provide a sense of freedom and exhilaration as children swing back and forth. They typically consist of a suspended seat attached to a frame by ropes or chains.

Swings encourage upper body strength, coordination, and balance, while also promoting social interaction as children take turns or swing together on side-by-side sets.

Slides

Slides are usually inclined surfaces that allow children to climb up and slide down, creating excitement and promoting balance and coordination.

Slides can vary in height and shape, including straight slides, spiral slides, or wave-like slides.

This equipment helps develop motor skills and spatial awareness, and can be used solo or in groups, fostering patience as children wait their turn.

Sensory Play Equipment

Sensory play equipment includes a variety of interactive panels and surfaces designed to stimulate children’s senses through touch, sound, and sight. These can include musical instruments, textured surfaces, and puzzles.

Sensory play is particularly beneficial for younger children or those with disabilities, as it promotes cognitive development, fine motor skills, and sensory integration.

Trim Trails

Trim trails are outdoor obstacle courses consisting of various physical challenges like balance beams, stepping stones, rope walks, and wooden bridges.

These trails encourage children to develop agility, balance, and strength as they move through the course.

Trim trails are often used to promote healthy competition and teamwork, as children can race or work together to complete the course.

Multi-Play Structures

Multi-play structures combine several elements like slides, tunnels, bridges, climbing walls, and ropes into one unit, offering children a variety of play activities in one place.

These structures encourage exploration, problem-solving, and physical exercise. They are particularly effective in keeping children engaged for longer periods and are great for fostering social interaction and imaginative play.

Balance Beams

Balance beams are narrow platforms raised slightly above the ground, which challenge children to walk across without losing their balance.

They are perfect for developing focus, coordination, and balance. Balance beams can be straight or wavy, offering different levels of difficulty. They are often incorporated into obstacle courses or fitness trails.

Active Play

Active playground equipment is designed to encourage physical activity, helping children improve their fitness, agility, strength, and coordination while having fun.

This type of equipment promotes dynamic play, which involves running, climbing, swinging, balancing, and other movements that get children moving and exercising.

Inclusive and Accessible Playground Equipment

Inclusive and accessible playground equipment is designed to ensure that children of all abilities can engage in play together.

This type of equipment promotes equality by offering accessible play options for children with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, alongside their peers.

These structures and equipment focus on meeting the diverse needs of all children while ensuring safety, engagement, and inclusivity.

Imaginative Play Equipment

Imaginative play equipment is designed to spark creativity and encourage children to engage in role-play, storytelling, and fantasy-based activities.

These pieces of equipment allow children to immerse themselves in different worlds, fostering social interaction, cognitive development, and problem-solving skills.

Imaginative play helps children explore different scenarios, environments, and roles, which is essential for their overall development.

Playground Playhouses

Playground playhouses are small, enclosed or semi-enclosed structures designed to resemble houses or cabins.

They encourage imaginative play, social interaction, and provide a cosy, safe environment for children to explore various role-playing scenarios, from playing “house” to acting out community roles (shopkeeper, teacher, etc.).

Sandpits

Sandpits are enclosed areas filled with sand where children can dig, build, and create using buckets, spades, and other tools. Sand play encourages sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and creativity.

Sandpits are also a calm, social area where children can work together to build castles or other structures, fostering cooperation.

Water Play Equipment

Water play equipment is designed to allow children to engage with water in a safe, controlled environment, often found in specially designated water play areas. This equipment fosters sensory exploration, creativity, and motor skills.

Water play equipment is particularly effective for developing sensory skills, understanding basic science concepts, and encouraging social interaction. It’s also a great way for children to stay cool and active during warmer weather.

Educational & Sensory Play Panels

Educational and sensory play panels are interactive playground features designed to stimulate children’s cognitive, sensory, and motor skills.

These panels are typically wall-mounted or freestanding, and they cater to a wide range of abilities, making them highly inclusive.

They provide opportunities for learning through play, especially for younger children or those with special needs.

Outdoor Gym Equipment

Outdoor gym equipment is designed for older children to encourage physical activity and fitness. These pieces mimic exercise equipment found in gyms, such as pull-up bars, step machines, or stationary bikes.

They help children improve strength, endurance, and coordination, while promoting the importance of regular exercise in a fun, accessible way.

How much does it Cost to Design a Playground?

The average cost to design a playground is £14,000 – £30,000.

The price to design and build a playground can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the playground, the types of equipment used, safety features, the complexity of the design, and installation fees.

School Playground Designs

We can help to construct a variety of playground designs, including:

• Active Play: An active play playground is built for physical activity.
• Imaginative Play: An imaginative playground is made for outdoor roleplay and creativity.
• Sensory Play: Sensory playgrounds focus on tactile toys and stimulation.
• SEN Play Areas: SEN playgrounds are designed to be quiet and relaxing for younger children, especially those in a nursery or primary school.
• Inclusive Playgrounds: Inclusive playground areas include things like tactile signs, wheelchair-accessible swings, and access ramps.
• Themed Play: Themed playgrounds are built around a theme, i.e. castles or pirates.
• Trim Trail Ideas: Trim trails create a single space with a variety of different activities.
• Interactive Play: Interactive play features include sandboxes, musical instruments, play panels and various kinds of water features.
• Educational Playground Areas: Educational playgrounds should include counting games, maps, alphabet toys, etc.
• Mud Kitchen Ideas: Mud kitchens are popular in play areas that use mud, dirt and water to fuel creativity.
• Outdoor Classroom Ideas: Outdoor learning areas for children of various ages.
• Den Building Ideas: Dens that children can use as a recreational space.
• Natural Playground Ideas: Nature-focused playgrounds that stick to a more natural style and design.

School Playground Surfacing

School playground surfacing is a critical consideration for creating a safe and enjoyable play environment for children. There are several options available, each with its own set of benefits and considerations.

Wetpour Surfacing

Wetpour surfacing, also known as rubber safety surfacing, is made from a mixture of rubber granules bound together with a polyurethane resin. It provides excellent shock absorption, reducing the risk of injuries from falls.

Wetpour is durable and long-lasting, capable of withstanding heavy use and adverse weather conditions. It offers the flexibility to customise playgrounds with various colours and designs.

Rubber Mulch Surfacing

Rubber mulch surfacing is made from recycled rubber, is another popular option. It offers good shock absorption properties and is sustainable, utilising recycled materials.

Rubber mulch requires minimal maintenance, although periodic topping up may be necessary as the material settles over time.

Artificial Grass Surfacing

Artificial grass provides a lush and green surface year-round, with synthetic fibres designed to mimic natural grass.

When selecting playground surfacing, factors such as safety, durability, maintenance requirements, budget, and aesthetics should be carefully considered to choose the option that best meets the needs of the school and its students.

Benefits of School Playground Equipment

School playground equipment offers numerous benefits for children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Here are some of the key advantages:

Physical Development

• Exercise: Playground equipment encourages physical activity, promoting overall health and fitness.
• Motor Skills: Activities like climbing, swinging, and balancing help children develop gross and fine motor skills.
• Coordination: Playing on equipment improves coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.

Social Development

• Teamwork: Collaborative play on playground equipment fosters teamwork and cooperation among children.
• Communication: Interacting with peers while playing helps children develop communication skills.
• Conflict Resolution: Negotiating rules and resolving conflicts during play teaches important social skills.

Emotional Well-being

• Stress Relief: Outdoor play on playground equipment provides a healthy outlet for releasing energy and reducing stress.
• Self-Confidence: Mastering new skills and overcoming challenges boosts children’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Emotional Expression: Playgrounds offer a safe space for children to express themselves and explore their emotions.

Cognitive Development

• Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to navigate and use playground equipment enhances problem-solving skills.
• Imagination: Pretend play on playgrounds stimulates creativity and imagination.
• Risk Assessment: Assessing and managing risks during play helps children develop critical thinking skills.

Inclusive Play

• Accessibility: Inclusive playground equipment accommodates children of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate in play.
• Social Integration: Inclusive play promotes social inclusion and empathy by bringing children of diverse backgrounds together.

Health Benefits

• Cardiovascular Health: Active play on playground equipment contributes to cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of obesity.
• Bone Health: Weight-bearing activities like climbing and jumping support bone development in children.

Academic Performance

• Cognitive Engagement: Regular physical activity on playground equipment enhances cognitive function, leading to improved concentration and academic performance.
• Behavioural Benefits: Children who have opportunities for active play during breaks demonstrate better classroom behaviour and attentiveness.

School playground equipment provides a wealth of benefits beyond simple recreation. It supports holistic development, fosters social interaction, enhances physical health, and contributes to overall well-being in children.

Playground Designer for Schools

We can provide design expertise to help clients get the playground that they need, offering an initial free design consultation followed by a range of in-depth services and support.

If you want to know more about our design and installation services or even just our free design help, then contact us to learn more.

How to Design School Playgrounds

Our playground design system focuses on a range of elements, such as:

• Play Structures: Slides, swings, climbing frames, monkey bars, seesaws, merry-go-rounds.
• Safety Features: Wetpour, Rubber mulch, artificial grass, safety mats, padded poles, fenced boundaries.
• Natural Elements: Trees for shade, grassy areas, gardens, rock features.
• Sports Facilities: Basketball hoops, mini football pitches, hopscotch tiles, badminton nets.
• Seating Areas: Benches, picnic tables, shaded areas for rest.
• Accessibility Features: Wheelchair-accessible swings, ramps, tactile signs.
• Educational Elements: Alphabet boards, counting games, maps.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why do Schools need Playgrounds?

Schools need playgrounds for several reasons:

• Physical Health: Playgrounds provide space for students to engage in physical activity, promoting exercise and healthy lifestyles.
• Social Development: Playgrounds offer opportunities for children to interact, cooperate, and develop social skills through games and activities with their peers.
• Emotional Well-being: Playgrounds can serve as outlets for stress relief and emotional expression, allowing children to unwind and have fun in a supportive environment.
• Cognitive Development: Outdoor play stimulates cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving, imagination, and creativity.
• Motor Skills: Playgrounds provide diverse equipment and structures that help children develop and refine their motor skills, including balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Playgrounds are essential for fostering holistic development in children, encompassing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of growth.

How can I make my School Playground Better?

To enhance your school playground, consider the following improvements:

• Safety Measures: Ensure all equipment is well-maintained and meets safety standards. Install soft surfaces like rubber mulch or artificial turf to cushion falls.
• Diverse Equipment: Provide a variety of play equipment to cater to different interests and abilities, including swings, slides, climbing structures, and sports facilities.
• Shade and Shelter: Install shaded areas or shelters to protect children from the sun and rain, allowing them to enjoy the playground comfortably in various weather conditions.
• Inclusive Design: Ensure the playground is accessible to children of all abilities, incorporating features like wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory play elements, and inclusive swings.
• Natural Elements: Integrate natural elements like trees, plants, and rocks to create a more engaging and aesthetically pleasing environment, promoting exploration and connection with nature.
• Creative Spaces: Dedicate areas for creative play, such as sandboxes, water play features, or art installations, encouraging imaginative and sensory experiences.
• Community Involvement: Involve students, teachers, parents, and local community members in the design and improvement process to ensure the playground meets the needs and preferences of its users.

By implementing these enhancements, you can create a safer, more inclusive, and engaging school playground for children to enjoy and benefit from.

What is the Best Thing on the School Playground?

The best thing on the school playground is often subjective and varies depending on individual preferences. However, many students enjoy the freedom and fun of playing with their friends in a safe and stimulating environment.

Additionally, popular playground features such as swings, slides, and climbing structures provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play, making them favourites among many children.

How to Decorate a School Playground?

To decorate a school playground effectively, consider the following tips:

• Colourful Murals: Paint vibrant murals on walls or fences to add visual interest and create an inviting atmosphere. Consider themes that resonate with the school’s values or curriculum.
• Educational Signage: Install educational signs or panels that incorporate learning opportunities into the playground environment, such as maps, alphabet and number games, or science facts.
• Themed Zones: Create themed play zones within the playground, such as a nature-inspired area with plantings and natural materials, a sports zone with painted courts and goalposts, or a fantasy-themed section with imaginative play structures.
• Interactive Art Installations: Incorporate interactive art installations, such as sculptures, mosaics, or kinetic pieces, that encourage creativity and engagement among students.
• Greenery and Landscaping: Plant trees, shrubs, flowers, and other greenery to enhance the beauty of the playground and provide shade and natural elements for children to explore.
• Creative Seating Areas: Provide seating areas like benches, picnic tables, or colourful seating pods that encourage relaxation, socialising, and outdoor learning.
• Seasonal Decorations: Change decorations periodically to reflect seasonal themes or special events, keeping the playground fresh and exciting throughout the year.
• Student Involvement: Involve students in the decorating process by hosting art workshops, mural painting sessions, or design competitions to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the playground.

By implementing these decoration ideas, you can transform the school playground into an engaging and inspiring space for students to enjoy and learn.

Summary

We work hard to deliver the best possible playground options to our clients, working closely with each one to give them an experience that children will love.

If you want to know more about our work, contact us today. The sooner you get in contact with our team, the sooner we can offer a free consultation to get things started.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great school playground ideas.

For more information on school playground ideas, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.