Challenge

After moving into a new building in 2006, staff at St Edmund's Nursery School & Childrens Centre, Bradford, decided to hold off the installation of a new outdoor play area so they could observe the children and how they interacted within the space.

After 12 months, they realised that the natural lie of the land could provide great potential for play.

As nearly 200 children attend the nursery at different levels of development, it was important that St Edmund's provided a space which could capture their imagination, supporting the staff by promoting independent play.

With a brief to provide something challenging and creative for the children, Timberplay came up with a play area that used nursery favourites, sand and water, alongside wide slides and other design features.

Solution

A large sand pit was created with building site equipment and a waterpump is being well used, helping build relationships through play as children work together to fill vessels and pump water.

Challenging towers with a connecting bridge were installed to encourage the development of climbing and balancing skills as well as imaginative play.

The area was re-landscaped with timber sleeper steps and a sensory garden that includes a dry riverbed.