Kings Ash Academy

Project Info:

Location: Paignton, Devon

Age Range: 5 - 11 Years Old

Budget: £40,000

Sector: Primary, SEND

Project Info:

Location: Paignton, Devon

Age Range: 5 - 11 Years Old

Budget: £40,000

Sector: Primary, SEND

An adult kneels beside a child who is playing with a musical panel at an outdoor playground, near a building with blue edging.

A playground area with artificial grass, a wooden structure with coloured panels on the left, and a curved wooden fence on the right, surrounded by leafless trees and residential houses in the background.

A playground area with artificial grass, a blue platform featuring a yellow star, wooden structures, and a fenced background with houses and trees visible.

An older woman supervises a young boy at an outdoor activity station whilst other children play near a small black shed in a school playground.

A woman receives a pink milkshake from a vendor at a food van, with assorted drinks and snacks displayed at the counter.

Key Outcomes

Fully inclusive outdoor space offering multi-sensory play and communication opportunities for all children.
Supportive environment that helps children feel included and prepared for a happy, healthy future.
A sensory area designed to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and encourage communication. Supporting pupils with emerging SLCN and emotional regulation needs.
Long-term investment benefiting pupils, families, and the wider school community for years to come.

Customer Feedback

This investment has completely transformed our outdoor space into an inclusive, communication‑rich environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

R. Fitzsimmons, Headteacher

BACKGROUND

Kings Ash Academy, located in Paignton, a coastal town in Devon, provides a modern, vibrant, and stimulating learning environment where children are encouraged and supported to achieve their very best.

The school promotes a strong culture of high expectations and aspiration, enabling every pupil to grow in confidence, develop their individual strengths, and reach their full potential.

PROJECT BRIEF

The school sought an inclusivity fund to enhance ordinarily available provision. With a targeted focus on predictable speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). As well as creating a play space where the children of Kings Ash Academy could thrive at school through inclusive, communication-rich environments.

They wanted all children to feel supported and included, with improved readiness for a happy, healthy, and productive adulthood.

The school also proposed a ‘Community Café’ covered outdoor area which they wanted to serve as a safe, welcoming space for the families in the local area. Fostering early intervention by engaging parents in informal, supportive conversations with trained staff. Promoting parental confidence and participation in their child’s development.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

The school identified a need to enhance their sensory provision and began exploring funding opportunities to develop a dedicated sensory area that would better support pupils’ needs. As part of this process our design consultant assessed the available space, and discussed ideas and requirements with Mr Fitzsimmons, the headteacher.

Following this consultation, Fawns created a tailored concept that reflected the school’s vision. Including the specific needs of the pupils who would benefit from the new sensory environment. The design focused on creating an inclusive, engaging, and accessible space that would support sensory exploration, regulation, and wellbeing.

After reviewing all submissions Fawns was chosen as the preferred supplier to deliver the sensory area. Moving the project forward from concept to implementation.

The new development was unveiled at a special opening event attended by pupils, families, staff and MP Caroline Voaden.

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