20+ Years Experience
Specialist Education Providers
Playgrounds are a great place for kids to exercise and have fun, however not all play areas are suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Our team of playground designers understand the importance of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and we believe all children should have access to play equipment which meets their needs and abilities.
Our SEN playground equipment range is designed specifically for SEN schools in the UK.
We have worked with a number of SEN experts and teachers to create a variety of fantastic SEN playground equipment to help children feel comfortable whilst engaging in play.
Children can become frustrated and overwhelmed when they cannot express their needs. Our play equipment for SEND is designed to be therapeutic and stimulating, which can help children calm themselves and become focused.
If you would like to find out more about the range of SEND products we offer, please get in touch with us and a member of our team will be happy to help.
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can affect a child or young person’s ability to learn. They can affect their:
Our SEND playground designs use playground surfacing and play equipment specifically designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
We have designed structures and features that stimulate the senses and help develop social skills in children who may have difficulties in this area.
Our range of playground equipment for children with special educational needs and disabilities include:
Inclusive playground equipment refers to play structures that are designed to be accessible and accommodating to children of all abilities, including those with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and developmental challenges.
The goal of inclusive playground equipment is to create an environment where children of all abilities can play together, improve social skills, physical activity, and not leave anyone out.
Playground surfacing which is suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities is really important.
Our range of additional needs outdoor playground surfacing include:
Wetpour surfaces for SEN projects are very common because they come in a range of colours and can have designs within the safety surface.
As wet pour is a safety surface, it is a popular surface for playgrounds because it provides a safety element, whilst also being available in bright colours with educational graphics to aid with learning.
Wetpour for SEND is commonly used for sensory pathways because it creates a softer feel underfoot, which a lot of children find therapeutic.
Artificial grass is an all weather surface that allows kids to play outside all year round.
Having artificial grass for SEN projects is great because of the texture and appearance. When it is installed on a sensory pathway, it is engaging for children because of the sight, sound and touch.
Rubber Mulch is a bonded shred safety surfacing product which is great near woodland areas of playgrounds.
Due to the texture and feel of rubber mulch, it is a popular surface for sensory pathways.
Rubber mulch is often used in playgrounds and other areas where safety is a concern because it provides a cushioning effect, reducing the risk of injuries from falls.
It is impact absorbing and can be an excellent choice for under playground equipment.
Thermoplastic playground markings are a popular choice for creating colourful and durable designs and games on playground surfaces.
The benefits of thermoplastic markings on tarmac playgrounds are they can help educate children during play.
Here are some activities thermoplastic playground markings can enhance:
The average cost of a SEND playground is £10,000 – £20,000.
The costs for a SEND play area will vary depending on the size of the project, type of play equipment, structures and features.
If you would like a quote for your project, please get in touch and our team will be able to provide you with costs for the works.
Outdoor play provides numerous physical, sensory, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits for children with SEND.
The varied sensory experiences and physical activities available in inclusive playgrounds support cognitive and motor skill development. These environments provide opportunities for problem-solving, spatial awareness, and coordination.
Inclusive playground equipment promotes social interaction among children of all abilities. It creates a space where friendships can flourish and where typical children can learn valuable lessons about empathy and inclusion.
Inclusive playgrounds give individuals with SEND a chance to engage in self-directed play, fostering independence and decision-making skills. This independence can carry over into their daily lives.
For children with disabilities, mastering new challenges on the playground can be a tremendous confidence booster. Accessible equipment allows them to explore, conquer obstacles, and build their self-esteem.
Inclusive playgrounds are welcoming spaces for families. Parents, siblings, and friends can play together, creating memorable bonding experiences. This inclusivity extends beyond the child with SEND and positively impacts the entire family.
By offering accessible and inclusive playgrounds, communities send a powerful message of acceptance and support for individuals with SEND. These spaces become symbols of inclusivity and help break down barriers.
SEND play areas are installed in a range of places, the most common places are SEND schools and nurseries.
They are also becoming more popular for community parks and recreational areas.
A SEN or SEND playground is a play area which is specifically designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
SEND playgrounds will typically have structures and features that help stimulate senses which can help develop social skills.
A sensory playground, also known as a sensory play area or sensory garden, is a specialised type of playground designed to engage and stimulate a child’s senses, including touch, sight, sound, smell, and sometimes even taste.
These playgrounds are typically created to provide a sensory-rich environment that encourages exploration, learning, and sensory development for children of all abilities, including those with sensory processing disorders, autism, or other special educational needs.
Sensory play helps with cognitive development and it is important for all children but even more for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Sensory playground equipment is designed to engage children’s senses and promote sensory development through play. There are various types of sensory playground equipment that cater to different sensory experiences. Here are some examples:
When planning a sensory playground, it’s essential to consider a mix of equipment that targets different sensory modalities, such as tactile, auditory, visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive experiences.
Additionally, providing inclusive and accessible features ensures that children of all abilities can enjoy and benefit from the playground.
An inclusive playground is a type of recreational space designed to be accessible and welcoming to children of all abilities, including those with disabilities.
The primary goal of an inclusive playground is to provide an environment where children can play and interact together regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.
These playgrounds are designed to promote social inclusion, physical activity, and cognitive development for all children, regardless of their individual challenges.
Inclusive playgrounds offer a wide range of benefits to children, families, and communities. Here are some of the key advantages:
Key features of an inclusive playground typically include:
With professional playground designers, you can extend your SEN classroom ideas outdoors to the play area.
Kids learn through activity and having a specialist SEN playground design is a great way to educate kids during playtime.
Our range of equipment and safety surfaces are bespoke to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) facilities.
Make sure you contact us today for a number of great Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
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Sean WilliamsFor more information on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.
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