Inclusive outdoor learning and play area
Glenwood School, Essex
Sutcliffe Play has worked with Glenwood School on the
development of a £250,000 inclusive outdoor learning and play
area.
The school has recently been rebuilt by Essex County Council
on land adjacent to its previous site. The school reopened in
September 2017 and as part of the new build project the school
wanted to include an outdoor space that could be used for both
learning and play.
Glenwood is a Community Special School for learners aged
3-19 with severe, profound or multiple learning difficulties. This
includes learners with autistic spectrum condition and those
with complex physical and sensory impairments. The school is
committed to creating a happy and positive environment for
pupils and staff, with the new playground forming an integral
part of their strategy. It was important that the playground
wasn’t just about the equipment; it needed to be an outdoor
learning space that would engage pupils across four key areas:
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Sensory Garden
Balance & Coordination Area
Outdoor Classroom
Inclusive Physical Development Area
Inclusivity is at the heart of all of Sutcliffe Play’s proposals and
our design team has created an outdoor space for Glenwood
School that creates endless opportunities for both learnings
and play. The four areas have created clear zones for pupils to
engage in different activities:
Sensory Garden
This area uses equipment and materials to create a natural
playground. Pathways and tunnels are created with wooden
equipment, bamboo and planters. We’ve also introduced pieces
that create opportunities that will help to develop and engage
sound and vision. A hammock and table and chairs provide
settings to develop social skills.
Balance & Coordination Area
This area features equipment from Sutcliffe Play’s Orchard
range. The wooden, environmentally friendly range
48 Landscape & Urban Design
complements the Sensory Garden with sleeper benches and
activity trails to help develop balance. This area also includes an
inclusive nest swing that is designed like a bird’s next to allow
children of differing abilities to swing together.
Outdoor Classroom
A gazebo has been installed to create an outdoor learning
environment with a chalkboard, benches and tables accessible
for wheelchairs.
Inclusive Physical Development Area
This area is packed with some of Sutcliffe Play’s newest and
most innovative equipment. This includes two multi-play units
featuring a wide range of different play options, access points
and levels of challenge:
- The first, a large bespoke unit offers double wheel chair access
ramps with turning and passing points whilst incorporating play
elements along the route. Drag ramps, wide non-slip access
steps and double width access cargo nets ensure that users of
all abilities can access the 1.2 high large seating central play
house and slide.
- The second, the Daffodil Climber from the Toddlerzone Plus
range features gentle waving panels to reflect a natural theme.
We’ve also installed our inclusive wheelchair roundabout that
allows those in a wheelchair to experience spinning, just as if
they were on a traditional roundabout.
Judith Salter, head teacher at Glenwood School says: “Outdoor
space forms a really important part of the learning opportunities
and leisure time for the young people attending Glenwood. We
aim to provide the best possible education for all learners to
prepare them for everything they can achieve in life. The new
playground will help us to achieve these goals and will have a
long-lasting positive impact on the school.”
For further information please contact Claire Murgatroyd or
Amie Baron at MTJ Associates on 01772 421 442,
or email [email protected]