Happy Days at Hunters Hall

Client: Hunters Hall Primary School

Location: Dagenham, Essex

The large Early Years Foundation Stage outdoor play and learning area at the busy Hunters Hall Primary School has been given a new lease of life. The children started the new academic year with an abundance of fun, colourful and challenging new equipment which has transformed the entire area.

The whole area was in need of an upgrade as it was all looking rather tired and was filled with small moveable play items.  A more structured environment with permanent, fixed equipment was required along with new, bright and interactive safety surfacing. A secure and organised storage solution was also on the brief, for the many small play items that are used on a daily basis.

Our design team set to work and produced an appealing proposal filled with an amazing variety of products including a Little Hamlets Merrymeet Plus Toddler Multi Play Unit, two Sandboxes, an Outdoor Classroom Shelter, a Double Sand and Water Basin, Den Poles, Planters, assorted Play Panels, coloured Wet Pour safety surfacing and colourful Wet Pour Graphics.

A substantial amount of learning opportunities at the EYFS stage are planned to take place in an outdoor environment, so the new outdoor area equipment and colourful, interactive surfacing will greatly enhance these sessions for the children at Hunters Hall.

All the new equipment can be used in conjunction with many areas of the curriculum.

The Outdoor Classroom will be the perfect setting for literacy sessions and storytelling as well as a place for the children to sit and interact at break times.

Sand and Water play lets children explore the scientific properties of the materials, lets their creative and artistic sides be shown, as well as encouraging communication and social interaction.

The children will love the Merrymeet Plus where they can experience the thrills of sliding, improve their climbing skills and balance as well as their overall coordination. This unit also encourages roleplay and using numeracy skills.

Timber planters will allow science topics to be taken outdoors and introduce the children to learn about growing plants and being responsible for looking after them.

Den Poles and Play Panels will add to the variety of fun, role play and creative play and learning opportunities available located around this fantastic new outdoor space.

Assistant headteacher and Early Years Coordinator Stephanie Caisey, was delighted with the new outdoor area, saying:

“A previous project with a different company was not an experience I wanted to repeat! With a heavy heart it was outdoor space number two! How different it was with Playdale! From beginning to end the quality of service was excellent. If you want an outdoor area that is inviting and long lasting then use this company.”

If you are considering improving your school’s outdoor areas contact us to arrange a free, no obligation appointment with your local area manager.