Two Play Areas, More Ways to Explore at Essendine Primary School

Essendine Primary School in London has developed a new SEN playground featuring two dedicated play areas. Combining sensory exploration, physical activity and opportunities to develop balance and coordination, the new space offers pupils a variety of ways to explore their surroundings, build physical skills and enjoy outdoor play.

Project Highlights

Basket Swing: Offers a relaxing swinging experience with opportunities for movement.
Square Trampoline: Encourages jumping and physical activity.
Stepping Logs & Balance Beam: Support balance, coordination and confidence through movement.
Dart Activity Centre & Exercise Block Set: Provide varied opportunities for physical challenges and active play.
Sensory Teepee: Creates a dedicated space for sensory exploration and quieter play.

Essendine’s new SEN playground introduces specialist outdoor equipment to support a broader range of play experiences within the school environment.

This image shows the two key sen play areas at Essendine Primary School in London

Customer Objectives

The school wanted to create a dedicated SEN play space to better support pupils with different needs and provide more opportunities for inclusive outdoor play. The project brings together two distinct play areas, combining physical activities and sensory features to offer pupils different ways to move, explore and engage with their surroundings.

Playground Development Challenges & Solutions

Working within an existing outdoor space presented several challenges, including manhole covers, restricted access and the removal and disposal of the existing play tower. Creative Play carefully planned the layout to accommodate these site constraints while creating two complementary play areas. By combining movement-based equipment, balance challenges and sensory features, the finished playground makes effective use of the available space and provides varied outdoor play opportunities for pupils with different needs.

BEFORE

AFTER

Results: Supporting Different Ways to Play at Essendine Primary School

The completed SEN playground offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from swinging and jumping to balancing and sensory exploration. The two areas provide opportunities for pupils to engage with equipment in different ways, supporting movement, confidence and discovery through play.

Ready to Create a More Inclusive Playground?

Creative Play designs and installs inclusive playgrounds for schools across the UK. Contact our via email [email protected] or call our team on 01244 375 627 to discuss your school’s outdoor play requirements.