Stimulating Outdoor Play For Future Learning | South Harringay School Nursery

South Harringay School Nursery in North London commissioned a complete redesign of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) outdoor learning environment, introducing more than 20 play features alongside new surfacing and defined activity zones. With attainment already above national averages, the school wanted a nursery playground that reflected its high expectations while supporting play-based learning, independence and exploration.

As a busy nursery providing extended care from 8am to 6pm, the outdoor space also needed to withstand intensive daily use. Access constraints, site gradients and installation logistics presented challenges that required careful design, planning and coordination.

• Complete redesign of the nursery playground with more than 20 new play features
• Natural timber play equipment designed to encourage imagination and independence
• Mixed surfacing including artificial grass, wet-pour and resin-bound stone
• Dedicated zones for climbing, role play, gardening and quieter activities
• Groundworks and demolition to remove existing structures and open the space

SOUTH HARRINGAY SCHOOL NURSERY 

South Harringay School Nursery forms part of a thriving North London primary school community. The school describes itself as a village, where children learn to collaborate and contribute as members of a shared environment. Within the EYFS, pupils are encouraged to explore independently to develop confidence, with the nursery aiming to provide “a happy, relaxed and stimulating environment in which children… gain the best foundations for future learning.”

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Customer Objective

The nursery wanted a complete redesign of its outdoor learning environment. The aim was to create a stimulating, natural-looking play space with climbing, imaginative play, messy play and gardening opportunities. The design needed to support children’s independence and creativity, reflecting the school’s belief that “children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.”

Consultation

A Creative Play Outdoor Play Expert visited the nursery to assess the existing playground and listen to the school’s ambitions. During the consultation, we reviewed the site layout, drainage and access limitations, then discussed surfacing options, equipment preferences and budget considerations to ensure the design supported the nursery’s focus on thinking for oneself, confidence and collaborative learning.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS: OVERCOMING ACCESS LIMITATIONS AND REMOVALS

State Of Area Before Installation

Before the redevelopment began, the nursery’s outdoor area required significant improvement to support the school’s ambitions.

• Existing fencing restricted visibility and divided the space
• Outdated play equipment and structures required removal
• Limited play variety for climbing, imaginative play and exploration
• Murals and built elements created visual clutter
• Site sloped from one side to the other, affecting layout
• Access restrictions through narrow gates complicated installation logistics

Layout Design

The nursery sought a more cohesive outdoor environment that mirrored its “village” philosophy. The school emphasises that “children are expected to contribute and co-operate, taking into account the views of others,” meaning the playground needed to support shared activities alongside individual exploration.

Creative Play leveraged extensive experience designing EYFS playgrounds in busy school settings to overcome access, slope and durability challenges. By carefully planning equipment placement, surfacing and activity zones, the team ensured the new outdoor environment met the nursery’s high expectations while remaining practical for daily use and long-term maintenance.

Playground Equipment Choices

At the heart of the new play space sits the Jungle Climber Mini, a compact climbing structure designed specifically for younger children. The equipment introduces manageable physical challenge while encouraging balance, coordination and confidence, supporting the nursery’s aim to “increase children’s confidence in their own abilities”.

Surrounding the climber, a series of low-level trim trail elements create an adventure pathway through the playground. Features such as the Log Walk, Stepping Logs, Weaving Beam, Rotating Log, Zigzag Parallel Ropes, Rope Cross and Weaving Posts encourage children to develop balance, strength and perseverance while working together to navigate obstacles.

Imaginative play was another key focus. A Stage, Chalkboard and Timber Playhouse Teepee encourage storytelling, role play and collaborative creativity, allowing children to express ideas while developing communication skills.

To reinforce connections with nature, the layout includes a Miniature Gardening Area – Planters, Vertical Planters and a Messy Play Table. These elements support sensory exploration and investigation, aligning with the nursery’s approach to learning through “playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically.”

Groundworks were essential to the success of the project. The final surface combines artificial grass, wet-pour and resin-bound surfacing, creating a natural appearance while providing durable fall protection around climbing equipment. Artificial grass was chosen for large sections of the play area to introduce greenery without the maintenance demands of natural turf.

IMPLEMENTATION: CREATING A VARIED AND STIMULATING SPACE

Design

Following the consultation, Creative Play’s design team developed a BS EN 1176 safety standard compliant layout that organised the playground into distinct activity zones while maintaining clear visibility across the space. The design incorporated natural timber equipment, varied surfacing, and areas for climbing, imaginative play and exploration.

Installation

Before installation began, the existing playground required demolition. Old play equipment, fencing, raised edging, sheds and decorative elements were removed, while walls were repainted in neutral colours to create a calmer visual backdrop.

Access to the nursery playground was restricted by railings at the entrance gate, requiring careful coordination of deliveries and equipment storage with the school and local council. The site gradient also required precise groundwork preparation to ensure correct surfacing levels and drainage.

Despite these constraints, the installation team successfully transformed the playground into a cohesive and durable learning environment.

RESULTS: URBAN PLAY AREA OFFERING INDEPENDENCE WITH A COMMUNITY FEEL

South Harringay School now has a varied and engaging outdoor play space that supports the nursery’s educational philosophy while remaining practical for daily use.

With more than 20 new play features and varied activity zones, children have greater opportunities for exploration, physical activity and imaginative play.

The redesigned space supports personal, social and emotional development by encouraging children to make choices, collaborate with others and build confidence through challenge and discovery. The natural aesthetic and durable surfacing ensure the playground can withstand continuous daily use while remaining welcoming for years to come.

“The children are fully engaged with all the equipment. We can see real evidence of them developing a greater range of gross motor skills while at play!”
– Ian Scotchbrook, Headmaster, South Harringay School Nursery

Maintenance & Future Opportunities

South Harringay’s outdoor play equipment is designed for long-term durability with low-maintenance, weather-resistant materials that can withstand daily use by hundreds of children. To make upkeep even easier, every installation comes with a comprehensive operations and maintenance manual, along with a range of aftercare packages from Creative Play – ensuring play remains safe for years to come.

INSPIRED BY THIS Multi-Use School Nursery Outdoor Play Area?

Create a stimulating play environment for your school nursery. Explore more case studies to see the difference you can make – or get in touch with Creative Play today for a no-obligation consultation! Visit the Contact Page or connect with us by email or telephone via [email protected] | 01244 375 627

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