Case Study - Elvington Primary School

When we first visited the site the school had a very small early year’s area, with very little equipment...

The school required a larger, fenced and gated space that could be shared by more than one class and would cover all their outdoor learning needs.

The plan view shows how Playscheme designed the area to incorporate an attractive and practical gazebo/outdoor classroom which could also be used for story telling or as a quiet area. Provision for sand and water play (with the Playscheme water system) was included in the design, plus a central climbing structure that also gave children the opportunity to practice their balance and co-ordination skills. We also added a role play space with an open building structure, amphitheatre with large chalkboard and den building area.

A workstation (available in two shapes, square and rectangular) for all kinds of table top activities was added, along with a digging planter. To bare walls and fencing various interactive panels were placed such as chalkboards, mirrors or number panels.

Various types of surfacing, some hard, some soft and tactile were introduced to give the children different experiences in different areas. These included wetpour rubber, gravel, decking and synthetic grass.

An area of free space was left for other activities including the use of wheeled toys.

Comments from Mrs J Rawlings, Headteacher

“We are delighted with the comprehensive service and attention to detail that we have received from Playscheme. Working with Playscheme was a real partnership. Their staff were so helpful, understanding and knowledgeable. At every step of the project they listened carefully, sharing their own knowledge and experience to help us shape and realise our vision.

The designs they produced were excellent and very clear, helping us involve other stakeholders and outline our ideas. We also used these as a springboard for generating further designs and at each stage Playscheme were very supportive of us, especially when we were constantly reviewing the project design. Like us, they wanted it to be right.

Our finished design is fantastic and we love receiving so many positive comments from colleagues, parents and fellow educationalists who visit us. But the best praise of all comes from the children who use it and constantly want to be outside to explore and develop their learning. It is the smiles that it has put on the faces of our children that have made it so worthwhile.

Overall we received a very professional service from start to finish and the quality of their work and attention to detail is second to none.

A super and friendly team who I have no hesitation in recommending to any school. It was a real pleasure working so closely with Playscheme„