Jenner Park is a primary school and nursery accommodating 231 children up to the age of 11. The school, with its impressive red brick building over 100 years old, prides itself on its modern educational approach.
The Issue
Although featuring two outdoor play spaces, the selection of play facilities at this school had become old and tired. It was becoming difficult for the teachers to find new ways to incorporate the equipment in their teaching plans.
The Resolution
Jenner Park wanted to undergo a refurbishment to its play areas, with the aim to increase opportunities for learning outside the classroom in EYFS. The school also wanted to zone the play space to support inclusive play.
The Process
Julie Pearce, Area Manager at Sovereign, met with the school’s Head teacher, David Morris and several of the teaching staff. The project requirements were discussed and after brainstorming the possibilities, Sovereign prepared designs for a new, resourceful play area.
Incorporating elements of colourful safety surfacing and educational facilities to encourage learning in the playground, Sovereign’s plans perfectly met the school’s brief. Due to this, the school asked Sovereign to also design its special needs unit area.
Julie met with children in the special needs unit to involve them in the selection process. The pupils highlighted their favourite pieces of equipment, providing feedback on why and how they should be included. Plans for the area were then created to incorporate a range of activity panels and sensory play facilities that encourage inclusivity.
The Installation
Area one – main playground
After removing old play equipment and surfacing, a selection of sensory play equipment was installed. This included a water flow play panel and the construction of a mud kitchen, complete with sink, cupboard and worktop components.
Comprising a net and balance beams, a Jungle adventure den was installed, providing hands-on climbing activities for children to explore in a natural play space.
Next was the installation of a timber Play Lodge, incorporating a shared area for children to engage in imaginative play while developing their social skills. A chalkboard activity wall panel was also installed along with a Drape Post for creative play activities. Sovereign finished the area with artificial grass and colourful wetpour surfacing.
Area two – special needs unit
Sovereign installed an assortment of sensory play facilities into the play area, including a sand table, mud kitchen and water flow play panel. Comprising a cooker, sink and cupboard, a single wall, worktop unit and a square mud planter – this large Mud Kitchen is ideal in creating a stimulating space for children to explore their senses through muddy play.
Next, a Foxtail adventure tower was installed with a slide and low-level climbing components to offer a range of fun, safe and challenging activities that are accessible for all.
A Play Hut was assembled to provide a space for imaginative play,socialising, outdoor picnics and shade. This was followed by the installation of a Storytelling Chair, ideal for children to sit and listen or tell their own stories.
An assortment of creative, educational and music activity panels were fitted, including a Perspex activity panel, chimes music panel, maze activity panel and tile slide activity panel. Sovereign completed the area with log planters, colourful wetpour safer surfacing and artificial grass areas.
The Results
- Jenner Park now benefits from two vibrant play areas with a diverse range of play facilities that promote social, creative, physical and co-operative development.
- Sensory play facilities allow children to discover their senses of touch, sight and hearing.
- Activity panels are a great way of getting children to challenge themselves.
- Play Huts and Storytelling areas are ideal for developing social and co-operative skills.
- Colourful safer surfacing creates a non-slip, vibrant play space – and with the addition of artificial grass, can provide added textures to the play environment.
- Low level adventure equipment supports physical development through the encouragement of co-ordination and turn-taking.
”Jenner Park Primary School has used Sovereign in the past for our yard equipment and have always been impressed by the quality of materials and their after sales service so were invited to quote for the work. They once again came up with a great design and within the school price limit so the Governing Body were happy to choose them for the installation.
