Maximising outdoor space vitally important to every child’s health and individual development. Not only can it provide a fantastic opportunity for children to participate in physical activity during the school day, but also offers a range of learning experiences. We understand that maximising outdoor spaces can be a difficult process with so many stakeholders to consider so it is about getting it right for everyone. 
Here at Fawns, we have some great solutions to help. So you can be confident, whatever size or shape playground, it’s the best it can be!
In this blog we will investigate the best and most efficient ways to make the most your school playground.
Understanding the learning outcomes, you require
First, it is important to establish exactly what you want to use your outdoor space for:
- Do you want to create a flexible playground space in which children play?
- Do you need your space to cater to more educational needs, such as outdoor classrooms, for an outdoor learning experiences?
- Can imaginative play be encouraged?
- How will the space used as a sensory or quiet play area?
- How many children does this area needs to accommodate?
It is important to think about the area outcomes, will it be a quiet area, a sensory space or an area that will be used to boost children’s physical activity.
Consider your Budget
Next, you’ll need to consider how much budget you have for this. Along with the use of traditional methods, there are several ways as a school to raise the all-important funds. From bake sales to Summer and Christmas fayres, some of which your PTA may already be working towards. We also come across a wide variety of alternative fundraising activities.
There are also number of funding programmes to consider when thinking about budgets. Some of which include Sports Premium Funding and Lottery funding via the Awards for All grant.
If you would like any further information on how to access these funding opportunities, contact our team today on 01252 515199 or [email protected].
School Council involvement
We believe children should be involved in the planning process, as they will ultimately be the ones who use the space.
This is an opportunity to include the school community or school council in coming up with ideas for their new playground or outdoor area. It encourages pupils to think about what they want from their play space and get them involved in the playground design process from concept to completion. 
Children have amazing imaginations, and will create an exciting playground that they know all children will enjoy. However, make sure you explain there is a limit on the budget as you may end up with space rockets designed and ready to land on the moon!
Playground equipment to maximise outdoor space
Here at Fawns, we have many pieces of playground equipment that are space efficient to suit any available space. Nonetheless they do not lose any play value and encourage creative play for your school playground.
Read on to learn about our recommended space saving solutions.
2100 Range
First to consider is our 2100 Range. These are our reduced size trim trail components, designed to have a lower free fall height and are smaller in size, maximising your outdoor space. Even though they are smaller in size they do not compromise on play value!
From our Horizontal Monkey Bars, Rope Wall and Clatter Bridge, these items are perfect for a small playground. Carefully designed to adjoin and link to each other or simply be as a stand-alone trail item, to make an enjoyable space.
Young Explorer Towers
A great addition to school playgrounds, our Young Explorers range. This tower range is designed with an emphasis on maximising play value and incorporating a wide range of physical challenges.
Our Young Explorers are excellent for physical fitness as they encourage a range of skills; promoting upper body strength, co-ordination and agility. Altogether encouraging social play and active play which are all important for child development.
These towers offer different physical activities for a range of ages and abilities.
Pick Up Sticks
Our Pick Up Sticks are an excellent piece of climbing equipment that promotes open-ended, imaginative play. At the same time these structures also promote physical development suitable for all ages and abilities. Encouraging the all important social skills and emotional development.
Stylish and fun, our Pick-Up Sticks Range are climbing structures that come in a variety of sizes suit individual playground needs. These items pack a lot of versatile components to maximise any outdoor space. 
Wall Panels
Wall games are an excellent way of maximising outdoor space as you only need make room on a wall!
One example of this is our Numbers Wall panel, which would be perfect for a more lesson-orientated space. Our Snakes and Ladders wall game is another great example, which could be used either for lessons or for playtime.
There is also an array of musical instruments, allowing children to discover their musical talents! These offer excellent sensory stimulation for both primary schools and secondary schools alike.
Similarly, our game board tables are an excellent piece of outdoor furniture, offering a great solution to working outdoors and can be double up as picnic tables. 
The game board tables create a way to explore different games outdoors including traditional games such as chess and snakes and ladders. Encouraging children to play with each other whilst doubling up as a workspace when lessons are taken outdoors.
Sensory Play
Children across SEND and mainstream settings need sensory play to help develop their eight sensory systems. Water play, messy play and sensory play equipment are all helpful in giving children the sensory feedback they seek.
Our sensory play equipment is an excellent addition to any outdoor space, incorporating natural elements including soil, bark, water, and sand. Speaking, listening and team-work skills are developed in a messy play environment which facilitates children learn to share, take turns, lead, and follow instructions.
Our Messy Kitchen Range includes the Messy Kitchen Corner, Workstation and Messy Corner.
Space Frames
Our Space Frames are an excellent addition to any school playground and offer a phenomenal amount of physical development for both Key Stage 1 and 2 children. The frames promote upper body strength, hand eye co-ordination and motor skills, whilst your children have a playtime that is out of this world, every single day!
The Space Frames are brilliant for a small space as they provide a range of challenges in one climbing frame, including balancing, swinging, and climbing: these units area ideal for children of all abilities and ages.
Quiet Zones
When considering your outdoor space, it is important to think about all the children who will be using the space. Some children like to use the area as a quiet time and use as reflective play rather than active play.
Outdoor Classroom, or shade structures to provide a quite zone as well as shade and shelter in the summer and winter months. 
With the use of a variety of surfacing materials such as Duralawn, Rubber Mulch or Wetpour, these more calmer and reflective spaces really can be used all year round.
Playground Markings
Finally, our playground markings are extremely useful in maximising smaller outdoor spaces and make the most of the outdoor play spaces. They are an excellent addition to any school playground and come in a range of designs and colours.
These markings promote a range of activities such as physical activity, social interaction and a wide range of creative ideas whilst involving educational elements.
They can even be designed to go around your play equipment, adding more colour and vibrancy to your outdoor play space.
Playground Design Consultation
We offer a free consultation service to discuss your playground ideas and understand the outcomes you require for your pupils. We create a 3D design so that you can visualise your new playground and present your ideas to the other stakeholders on your project.
Once your playground design has been approved we will begin the process of manufacturing your equipment at our UK workshop, and schedule your project start date as soon as possible, with our play installation team.
We also offer an aftercare service to ensure your playground equipment is always in tip top condition so the children can use the playground equipment all year round.
What Next?
To discuss your next playground project with our friendly team call us on 01252 515199 or email [email protected].
To look at our product range request our brochure today.
Other blogs you may be interested in:
Getting Active: Small Playground Ideas
Outdoor Play: Why is it Important?
16 Playground Games for Primary schools
