Play For All: Creative Play Launches New Inclusive Playground Range Co-Designed With SEN School

Accessible, innovative, and designed with every child in mind

Creative Play has launched Play For All, a new inclusive playground range developed through a two-year collaboration with Prospect House Primary Specialist Support School in Manchester. Shaped by real-world observation and consultation, the range is designed to provide accessible, meaningful play experiences for children of all abilities.

The project began when Creative Play was invited to work with Prospect House to reimagine an underused outdoor area. The school wanted a playground that supported emotional regulation, independent wheelchair access, and purposeful play for pupils with significant learning difficulties, while encouraging shared play experiences.

“We wanted a playground where every child could play, learn, and interact, regardless of ability. Working closely with Creative Play, we created a space that supports physical development, encourages learning, and allows children to connect with their peers. Their passion and dedication turned our vision into a playground that truly makes a lasting difference for our children and families.” Millie, Lead Deputy Head, Prospect House (Primary Specialist Support School) 

Working closely with staff over an 18-month period, Creative Play carried out detailed site assessments and design consultations, translating the school’s insights into practical, inclusive solutions. This partnership became the foundation of the Play For All range, ensuring each element was informed by lived experience rather than assumptions.

While catering to vestibular and proprioceptive developmental needs with equipment that challenges balance and movement, a driving force behind the new range is on items aiding sensory processing, with both stimulating and calming play types. A seating area made of artificial grass and colourful panels allows children to steal themselves away from the chaos of play. Panels such as the Sensory Snake offer immediate feedback from ‘squishy’ touch elements, textures and pressures essential to tactile development. Not only do these new items help build neural connections for boosting cognitive growth, but also regulate behaviour for improved focus later on in the classroom.

The Play For All collection includes nine inclusive play towers, five sensory-focused items, and 35 additional components. Features such as wheelchair-accessible ramps, varied play routes, and tactile, visual, and auditory elements support physical, sensory, social, and emotional development, enabling children to engage independently or alongside their peers.

“Working closely with a specialist SEN school provided invaluable insight into what children truly need from outdoor play. Just as importantly, it highlighted what should be avoided. For instance, we found that the colour red was triggering for some of the pupils, so we eliminated it from our designs. Similarly, collaborating with the school taught us that there would also be difficulties using sand or waterplay, usually a mainstay of sensory play. That firsthand understanding of sensory engagement and emotional regulation has been fundamental in shaping a more thoughtful, inclusive approach to design” – Amy, Product Design Manager, Creative Play.

At Prospect House, the scheme resulted in two connected playground spaces: one focused on accessibility and calm sensory play, and the other designed for inclusive shared play. Delivered over a three-week summer installation period using detailed 3D designs, both spaces were ready for use when pupils returned to school.

By taking a flexible approach, the Play For All range can be configured to suit a wide variety of schools and community settings. The launch reflects Creative Play’s ongoing commitment to inclusive playground design that recognises the diversity of children’s needs and play preferences. Check out the full story here. 

Learn more about the new Play For All inclusive range and start creating your inclusive playground today. Transform your playground into a space where every child can thrive – Go Big or Go Small!

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