Project Overview
Client: Warmsworth Primary School
JHA Architecture was appointed by Warmsworth Primary School in Doncaster to design a new Early Years Foundation Stage play area for the school’s younger pupils.
The existing playground did not provide dedicated play facilities, so the proposals focused on creating a more stimulating external learning environment with several distinct activity areas.
The completed design combines active play, exploration and softer landscaped spaces to give pupils a varied setting for learning and recreation throughout the school day.
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Key Features
The scheme introduced a range of complementary play and landscape elements to support different types of activity and discovery.
- Grasp-and-grab play net
- Sand play pit
- Staging and performance play area
- Gravelled activity area
- Forest-bark play area
- Grass and surrounding foliage
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Design Approach
The design was developed around the principle of giving younger pupils a choice of contrasting play experiences within one coherent outdoor space.
Active elements for climbing and exploration are balanced with sand, gravel, bark, grass and planting, creating changes in texture and character across the playground and encouraging pupils to engage with the environment in different ways.
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Learning Through Play
The playground was conceived as more than a single-purpose recreation area. Its different zones provide opportunities for climbing, exploring, imaginative activity and sensory engagement within the Early Years setting.
Large areas of forest bark and grass, together with surrounding foliage, soften the play environment and help create a stimulating setting for outdoor learning alongside the more structured play facilities.
Project Outcome
The scheme transformed an under-equipped playground into a varied Early Years play environment with dedicated facilities for movement, exploration and creative activity.
By combining play equipment with natural and landscaped surfaces, the proposals created a more engaging outdoor setting tailored to the needs of Warmsworth Primary School’s younger pupils.
Project Gallery