Natural Playground Design for Early Years Education - Grange Lane Infants Academy, Doncaster

Playground design & build specialists

An EYFS dream!

Grange Lane Infants are now the lucky owners of this large, adventurous playground design.

We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work alongside the wonderful team at Grange Lane Academy (who are part of the fantastic Delta Academies Trust), once again, to design an outdoor play space within the large area that was once a blank canvas. Only this time, we transformed their infants playground!

With it being such a huge space, we were able to play around with multiple design options.

As this is a playground for early years children, the aim of this project was to include plenty of play options that catered for younger children. With this, we decided to incorporate a variety of play categories such as sensory, water, sand, physical, messy play and more.

Zoned Play Areas with Sensory Paths and Active Play

Due to the size of the grounds, we were able to give each category of play their own zone within the playground.

To centralise the space, we laid a considerable bed of artificial grass, adhered to a rubber base for a cushioned feel. To surround the grass, we laid a path of interest around the perimeter, which includes an assortment of different surfaces.

As well as being visually appealing, the path of interest is beneficial for early years as it allows them to explore contrasting textures.

As the grass offers a cushioned feel, we decided to situate a small selection of physical play, freestanding, timber resources. These include our Large Adventure Unit, Early Years Slide and Grass Tunnel Mound. All of which are perfect for children to clamber, climb and crawl, building their muscle strength and physical ability whilst doing so.

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Early Years Outdoor Slide

515+VAT

Imaginative Play Corners to Spark Creativity

Surrounding the artificial grass centre, we have different play stations in every corner.

In one corner of this outdoor play environment, we laid real grass. Within this corner, we created a bespoke teepee, which will be great for den making!

Another two corners present barked areas with an array of timber resources and playground equipment, both generated for children to engage in role-play activities.

One of these barked areas has a sensory stage, perfect for performances with friend at break times. The other includes a Woodcutters Cottage, and aspects of storytelling and messy play.

Not forgetting to mention to section made up of playground storage. This region is finished with stone resin surfacing in an earth mix tone, adding further colour and contrast to the design. Here, you will find a Trike & Buggy Store and a Park & Ride Unit; because no playground is complete without storage!

Trike and Buggy Store

800+VAT

A Natural Space for Year-Round Play and Discovery

To complete this bespoke playground project, several standout features were incorporated to enhance both outdoor education and play within early years.

A natural-style water play stream was installed, to encourage hands-on exploration. A Newby Leisure specialty, this stream was designed and manufactured to promote cooperative and imaginative play. It invites children to interact with flowing water, whilst developing fine motor skills and learning through play.

Crossing over the water feature is a hand-crafted timber boardwalk that adds both visual interest and accessibility, allowing children to view the playground from an alternative perspective. This structure is great for boosting physical activity.

To ensure we were catering for year-round usability of the new playground, we installed a NASH shelter. This provides shaded/sheltered area for outdoor learning, relaxing and/or group activities. Its durable design complements the natural aesthetics of the playground, making it a practical and attractive addition. Not only this, but it protects children from harmful UV rays from the sun.

Scattered beside and underneath the shelter, we added a selection of Newby Leisure’s freestanding, timber resources. These versatile play items offer endless opportunities for open-ended learning for early years education.