BACKGROUND

At St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School, every child and member of staff is recognised for the unique talents and gifts they bring to the school community. The school places a strong emphasis on nurturing these individual strengths while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. St Mary’s works hand-in-hand with families, local parish and the wider community. They are committed to helping children grow both academically and personally. Encouraging them to thrive, develop confidence, and become lifelong learners.

PROJECT BRIEF

As the number of SEND children at the school grew, weekly visits to the local park became increasingly difficult to manage safely and effectively. The staff recognised that these outings had provided valuable opportunities for physical development, social interaction, and sensory exploration. They wanted to ensure that pupils would not lose access to these important experiences.

In response, the team made the decision to bring those same learning and play opportunities directly onto the school site.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School had secured SEND capital funding from the Local Authority. Allowing them to move forward with planning the new play space.

Fawns’ Outdoor Play Consultant met with Headteacher, Mr. Price, to explore the school’s vision for the area. Because the space was intended specifically for SEND pupils, the consultant focused on incorporating equipment that would enhance sensory development, physical activity, and communication skills.

A detailed design and quotation were produced and presented to the school. Following collaborative discussions, a few adjustments were made before the final design was agreed upon. The school chose to partner with Fawns due to their prompt communication, friendly and professional approach, thoughtful design, and strong recommendations from other settings.