Playground Equipment for Special Schools

At Playtime by Fawns, we know that inclusive play spaces aren’t just nice to have, they’re vital. That’s why our playground consultant team invests in SEND-specific training and stays current with the latest research around inclusive play.

With over 28,000 bespoke playgrounds crafted in our 35 year+ history, our experience spans across all four broad areas of SEND need, delivering quality play support to mainstream and special school settings alike.

Whether it’s helping pupils with cognition, sensory needs, communication and interaction, or physical accessibility, we’re here to help make your playground work for every learner.

We invest in specialist training

We don’t leave playground inclusivity to guesswork. Our consultants undergo ongoing professional development, working with SEND experts to further their knowledge of all aspects of inclusion.

This expertise informs the design and support process. From choosing the right sensory circuit equipment to understanding how social interaction unfolds during unstructured play.

With Fawns, you get playground design backed by genuine SEND insight and experience.

Inclusive by design

Inclusion isn’t an afterthought in our approach: it’s built in.

Our playgrounds feature carefully chosen play equipment for special schools, like inclusive swings, sensory panels, and wheelchair-friendly climbing frames, ensuring every child can play alongside their classmates.

Many of our designs include outdoor sensory play equipment such as duo swings, wide ramps, and accessible routes that encourage peer interaction rather than excluding it.

Wheelchair-accessible play equipment

Some of our most popular items designed with wheelchair access include Sensory Islands like the 500 Forest Sensory Island and 500-1000 Darwin Island. Each of these includes a wide ramp leading to platforms with slides, scramble nets, and sensory panels (allowing 1:1 support assistants to join in and support).

Our aim is simple: remove physical barriers so that play becomes a shared, social experience for all.

Funding support for SEND schools

We understand SEND budgets vary and funding can come from many directions. SEND budget, core school funds, via Pupil Premium and capital grants, or through fundraising and PTA involvement.

That’s why we work closely with your finance and leadership teams to ensure your playground plans are eligible, realistic, and cost-effective. From initial budget conversations to final equipment lists, our goal is to help you access the sensory circuit equipment and sensory playground equipment your pupils really need.

Responding to growing SEND complexity

SEND needs are evolving, and both mainstream and special schools are adapting to meet them. Today’s outdoor spaces have to do more than entertain.

SEND playgrounds must help pupils regulate emotions, develop coordination, and thrive socially. Our sensory-rich playground designs combine elements like varied textures, weighted opportunities, and ‘heavy work’ stations (through well-chosen Trim Trail components) to support sensory integration and emotional regulation, right where unstructured play naturally takes place.

Including children in the planning

We believe the best playgrounds are co-created with the children who will use them. That’s why we often speak directly to student councils and provide opportunities for children to shape the vision.

From colour preferences to favourite activities, we work with your team to invite genuine child input. As installation progresses, we can even arrange supervised site visits, helping children feel connected and excited about their new sensory playground equipment.

Minimal disruption to daily routines

We know routines are critical in SEND settings, so disruption needs to be kept to a minimum. Playground installation is likely to be less disruptive than you think, installing a sensory trim trail can be completed in just a few days.

The work area is fenced off safety. You’ll be surprised how seamless upgrades can be when expertise and planning are brought together.

Supporting wellbeing, communication and emotional regulation

Outdoor sensory spaces are much more than play areas. They’re environments that support SEMH, language development, and emotional resilience. Whether it’s a sensory swing to stimulate or regulate the vestibular system, or trim trails and health trek trails to encourage heavy work and sensory feedback, each piece of equipment is thoughtfully chosen to meet real SEND outcomes (including EHCP Section E outcomes).

Ready to get started?

Creating an inclusive outdoor environment is an investment in your pupils’ growth and fulfilment. With Playtime by Fawns, you get expert advice and tailored play equipment for special schools. All while minimising disruption to your school day.

Get in touch today for a free playground design consultation and see what tailored sensory playground equipment could look like in your setting.