How Riston Primary’s Early Year's Outdoor Space Became a Vibrant Wonderland

At Playscheme, we’ve seen our fair share of challenging school outdoor spaces — but Riston CE Primary’s Early Years area was a particularly tricky one. Uneven ground, worn surfaces, and a lack of stimulating features meant the children weren’t getting the outdoor learning experiences they deserved.

When Headteacher Jenny Marden reached out to us, she shared exactly what was needed: a safe, inspiring Outdoor Play Area that encouraged communication, curiosity, and creativity for every learner.

“The new play area is fantastic, it has been a really tricky area to get right for our children but with the help and advice from the design team, we have finally got a great area for all our children to use. The space is really well-used and meets the needs of our learners – encouraging communication and developing their language skills!”
— Jenny Marden, Headteacher, Riston CE Primary School

Step One: Designing for Imagination and Play

Every Playscheme project starts with listening — really understanding what a school needs and how children interact with the space. For Riston, the goal was clear: to create a bespoke Outdoor Early Years Area that was engaging, inspiring, and built to last.

Our in-house designers developed a concept full of sensory and imaginative elements, all designed to support Early Years development through play. The final design included:

• Tough, hard-wearing artificial grass for a soft, all-weather surface
• A Sensory Pyramid with coloured acrylic windows
• Talk Tubes for fun, language-rich interaction
• Wobbly mirrors for curiosity and self-recognition
• A Sheltered Reading and Group Area
• Large planters and accessible potting tables

From Grey to Green: The Transformation

Before our team arrived, the outdoor area was functional but uninspiring — after the installation, it became an energetic, colourful, and inclusive outdoor learning zone.

The moment the artificial grass went down, everything changed. Bright, soft, and durable, it transformed the space into a safe surface that children could play on all year round.  The material is child-friendly, easy to maintain, and designed to handle plenty of Early Years energy.

Teachers love how it encourages outdoor learning in all seasons, while children simply love being out there.

A Feast for the Senses

The Sensory Pyramid quickly became the star of the show. Its coloured windows create a magical play experience, casting light and colour across the area. Children love peering through the tinted panels and seeing the world in new shades — it’s a little bit of science, art, and magic rolled into one.

Next to the pyramid, our Bendy Mirrors and Sensory Panels add plenty of hands-on fun. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a wobbly mirror? These playful features encourage exploration, self-recognition, and laughter, supporting social and emotional development in a natural, joyful way.

Talk Tubes: Playful Language Development

Communication is key in Early Years, and our Talk Tubes are a wonderfully simple way to boost it. Installed across the area, these innovative tubes let children chat, whisper, and giggle from one end of the playground to the other. They promote listening skills, turn-taking, and early communication, all while sparking laughter.

Sheltered Reading and Group Area

Outdoor learning doesn’t have to stop when the weather turns. Riston’s Sheltered Reading Area gives children a place to gather, read, or take part in small group activities — all under cover.

This clever addition features corner seating, wall-mounted bookshelves, and an acrylic window that keeps the space bright and airy. It’s perfect for phonics, storytelling, or just a quiet moment with a book. Teachers have loved how flexible this area is — it doubles up beautifully for outdoor group work too.

Planters and Potting Tables: Growing Young Minds

Over in the planting zone, our large planters and accessible potting tables bring nature right into the curriculum. Here, children dig, plant, and water — learning about growth, patience, and care in a hands-on way.

Each table is made from pressure-treated redwood pine, known for its durability and natural beauty. One table was designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring every child can take part in the fun of growing and discovery.

Built in Yorkshire, Designed to Last

Every part of Riston’s new Outdoor Early Years Area was locally designed and crafted in Yorkshire by our talented Playscheme team. We take pride in building equipment that’s not just exciting — it’s safe, sustainable, and built for real play.

Using pressure-treated wood, durable fixings, and child-safe finishes, we make sure every project stands up to daily school life — and the unpredictable British weather!

The Difference It’s Made

Since the installation, the outdoor space has become one of the most popular areas in school. Children are exploring, communicating, and learning through play like never before. Pupils enjoy richer social interaction, better focus, and more creative engagement during outdoor sessions.

The once tricky, underused space is now a thriving Outdoor Early Years Area full of life, laughter, and learning.

Thinking About Your Own Outdoor Transformation?

If your school’s outdoor area needs a refresh, Playscheme can help you design and install a bespoke Outdoor Play Area or Primary School Outdoor Learning Space that’s imaginative, inclusive, and made to last.

From playground equipment and sensory play zones to reading shelters and nature areas, we’ll bring your vision to life with our Yorkshire-made craftsmanship and 30+ years of expertise.

👉 Ready to reimagine your outdoor space?
Contact Playscheme today on 01904 607677 or visit www.play-scheme.co.uk to find out more.