Timber playground equipment needs more than just good design – it needs timber that is built to last. This guide explains how Absolute Play treats and engineers timber for outdoor use, and how our 15 and 20 year warranties help schools, councils and leisure sites invest with confidence.

A Realistic UK Pricing Guide for Schools, Councils, Community & Commercial Spaces If you’re planning a playground project in 2026 — whether for a school, council, community space or commercial site . One of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much does playground equipment actually cost?” The honest answer is that playgrounds don’t have a single price, but they do  fall into clear, realistic budget ranges. In this guide, we’ve set out real UK costs , what genuinely affec

At Absolute Play, when we design a children's playground, safety is always a top priority. But equally important is finding the balance between safety and providing challenge for the children. Some level of risk is not only normal, it's essential for a child's development, giving them the opportunity to test their abilities, build confidence and develop important life skills in a safe environment. Healthy Risk vs. Unsafe Play Healthy risk in play is often misunderstood or co

Early years are all about curiosity, imagination, and having fun while learning. And what better way to do that than with a playground that sparks creativity and adventure? A great EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) outdoor area isn’t just somewhere to run around—it’s a space where all seven areas of learning can come to life. Take Littleton Infants School, for example. Their Reception playground has had a total transformation with new surfacing and exciting play equipment.

When schools search for inclusive playgrounds , SEN playground ideas , or sensory playground design , they often find generic advice or standardised equipment packages. But the reality is simple: 👉 There is no such thing as a universal SEN playground. Every setting has different pupils, triggers, abilities, behaviours and learning objectives. That’s why effective SEN playground design must be site-specific , child-specific , and purpose-led . At Absolute Play, we start with

Designing a playground is about much more than choosing a set of equipment. Whether a play space is being planned for a school, a parish council, or a leisure facility, the design process shapes how children learn, explore, and connect. A well-designed playground becomes an asset to any community, offering safe, engaging opportunities for play that support physical, social, and cognitive development. A key element of effective design is understanding how children of different

When planning a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is selecting the right surface. Each option performs differently, suits different sports, and varies in cost, maintenance, and long-term durability. Whether you’re designing for a primary school, secondary school, community group, parish council, or sports club , the right specification ensures your space is safe, long-lasting and fit for purpose.   This guide walks you through the main

We’re delighted to share one of our latest completed projects, a brand-new outdoor play space designed specifically for the SEN pupils at Swaffham School. Completed last week, this beautifully crafted area has been created to support a wide range of sensory, physical and developmental needs. The space combines accessible equipment, calming zones and opportunities for movement, exploration and imaginative play, all carefully chosen to enrich the everyday experience of the chil

Playgrounds are built to bring joy but keeping them safe and looking good takes a bit of love and attention. Over time, even the best equipment and surfaces start to wear down, and knowing when to repair, refresh, or replace can save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run. At Absolute Play , we spend a lot of time bringing tired play areas back to life, so we’ve seen first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and when it’s time to stop patching and start planning something