Transforming Play and Learning: Croft Community School

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Client: Croft Community School

Location: Durham

Croft Community School in Durham recently underwent a significant transformation to expand its facilities and accommodate additional pupils. Alongside the construction of new classroom spaces, the school recognised the need to enhance outdoor play areas, providing students with a vibrant and engaging environment for play and learning.

The school’s outdoor space was a blank canvas—an open field with no existing play facilities. They wanted a playground that catered to physical and sensory activities for all children, incorporated plenty of climbing and tumbling opportunities, and included spaces for outdoor learning. Furthermore, the playground needed to be bright, inviting, and suitable for children of all ages.

Our Approach

Playdale’s Area Manager for the North of England, Declan Dunne, was able to accommodate a same-day appointment with the school as he was in the local area. This face-to-face meeting allowed for a detailed discussion about the school’s needs and aspirations. Following this initial meeting, our in-house design team worked to create a proposal that met the brief while adding unique touches to reflect the school’s identity.

Declan returned to the school to present the proposal, which impressed the staff with its thoughtful array of equipment and surfacing designs. By incorporating the school’s logo colours and circular motifs into the wet pour safety surfacing, the design seamlessly tied the new play area to the school’s branding.

 

New Playground

The final playground design was a vibrant and multi-functional outdoor space that successfully combined elements of play, learning, and sensory engagement which the child love! Key features included:

Sensory and Inclusive Play: The installation of an Inclusive Orbit Roundabout, Gravity Bowl, Play Panels, and a Team Swing ensures all students can participate in the fun, fostering inclusivity.

Physical Challenges: A woodland-themed multi-play unit, adventure trail, swing bars, and a Little Monkey Jungle Climber provide ample opportunities for climbing, tumbling, and swinging, helping children develop strength and coordination.

Fine Motor Skill Development: The playground includes interactive play panels and Adventure Trail that encourage children to develop fine motor skills through grasping, manipulating, and coordinating movements. These elements support hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are essential for writing, drawing, and other daily tasks.

Imaginative Play: Smaller play elements, such as the wigwam and trail trimmer, encourage imaginative and creative play.

Outdoor Learning: Learning shelters were incorporated to create dedicated spaces where children can engage in outdoor educational activities.

The implementation of the new playground has transformed Croft Community School’s outdoor space into a vibrant hub for learning and play. Students of all ages now have access to a stimulating environment where they can develop physical, sensory, and social skills. The bespoke design has not only met but exceeded the school’s expectations, creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing.

The inclusion of the school’s branding in the design further reinforces a sense of pride and identity among pupils and staff.

Playdale Playgrounds is proud to have partnered with Croft Community School to deliver a playground that enhances the learning and play experiences of its students. If your school is looking to transform its outdoor spaces, contact Playdale today or request a copy of our latest catalogue to discover how we can bring your vision to life.

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