What was once just a patch of grass is now a playground full of laughter!
This project began as a blank canvas, giving our Newby Leisure team the perfect opportunity to completely transform this space and create the most wonderful playground design for aiding early years education. We were delighted to once again collaborate with Delta Academies Trust to complete this project. Let’s take a closer look at all the exciting areas this playground has to offer...
This natural playground is encased by a stone resin border for parents’ entry. Stone resin is an excellent choice for this particular area as it offers durability and low maintenance in all weather conditions.
From the playground entrance, a pathway guides you through the different areas of the design. We decided on a path of interest for this, featuring a variety of surfacing materials to showcase contrasting colours and textures which is great for enhancing sensory engagement for EYFS.
Surrounding the path of interest, you will find multiple play areas, that each serve a unique purpose and offer a distinct type of play for early years children. Working alongside the Delta team and the wonderful staff at England Lane, we felt the importance of including a mix of play experiences to suit the different interests of all children. For example, sections for creative play, construction play and messy play.
A boardwalk forms the centrepiece of the playground, surrounded by bark and chippings which incorporates plantation to promote environmental thinking.
The timber decking supports a large outdoor treehouse, displaying a burnt, rustic effect for added visual interest. Perfect for outdoor learning, the treehouse can hold several children and is designed for use all year round.
The decking is surrounded by a cobbled beach and extends to a bridge situated on top of a water play stream. Water play introduces children to natural elements and engages multiple senses such as sight, touch and sound.
Continuing along the textured paving, you reach a section featuring a stage with outdoor seating. This rustic stage is set on a bed of artificial grass, laid over a rubber base for a soft, cushioned feel.
Designed to inspire imaginative play, this space encourages performance and storytelling which enhances children’s confidence and self-expression.
Another section presents a construction play area containing a bespoke sandpit and our best-selling Skip & Blocks, Builders’ Yard and Three Tier Storage Unit. This space was incorporated to promote creative role play while also encouraging independence as children learn to put playground equipment away after use to keep their new playground tidy.
A key benefit of construction play is that it supports children’s fine motor development and spatial awareness as they create and build their own structures.
Last but not least, a timber-panelled mystical fence encloses a dedicated messy play area complete with a Messy Corner Mud Kitchen and bespoke digging pit. With the help of the teachers at England Lane, we decided to include these as messy play supports children’s development by encouraging sensory exploration, building fine motor skills, and stimulating creativity and thinking skills.
The mystical fencing contains coloured Lexan windows, adding a vibrant element of visual and sensory play. The same coloured Lexan can also be seen in the coloured roof shelter, positioned adjacent to the fencing.
If you like what you see, and would like a design similar to England Lane Academy, call or email the Newby team today!
Take a scroll through the pictures below by clicking the tabs and feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Tel: 01472 2320022
Email: sales@newbyleisure.com
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Take a scroll through the pictures below by clicking the tabs and feel free to let us know your thoughts.
If you like what you see, and would like a design similar to this, contact the Newby team today using the button below!
Download our 2025 Natural Playground Design Brochure. It's full of fantastic playground design and timber education supplies.
With a free site visit and free hand-drawn design from the Newby Leisure team, it couldn’t be easier to make a start on your new playground vision.
