10 of Our Favourite Sensory Play Panels for Schools & SEN Playgrounds
Looking for sensory play panels for a school playground, SEN setting or inclusive play space?
Sensory panels are one of the simplest ways to add more communication, touch, colour, sound and interaction to an outdoor area, without needing to completely redesign the playground.
They can be installed onto existing walls or suitable fencing, or supplied as freestanding features using steel, timber or recycled composite plastic posts.
Here are 10 of our current favourites.
1. Large Communication Panel
One of our favourites for SEN and inclusive playgrounds.
The large communication board uses playground-specific symbols to help children who find verbal communication difficult express what they want, need or are thinking.
Particularly useful for specialist provisions, mainstream SEND areas and inclusive playground designs.
2. Makaton Emotions Communication Panel
A brilliant addition where communication and emotional literacy are priorities.
Clear Makaton symbols help children communicate their thoughts and feelings, making this a particularly useful panel around quieter playground zones, sensory areas and wellbeing spaces.
3. My Emotions Play Panel
A tactile way for children to identify and communicate how they are feeling.
Children can move the counters towards different emotions, combining sensory interaction with communication and emotional awareness.
4. Rainbow Play Panel
Simple — but incredibly effective.
A rotating drum filled with colourful beads creates visual, tactile and audible stimulation, making it a great all-round sensory feature for EYFS, primary and SEN playgrounds.
5. Roller Pixels Play Panel
63 rotating two-tone rollers allow children to create their own patterns, pictures and designs.
It encourages fine motor movement, creativity, visual stimulation and tactile exploration and works particularly well as part of a larger sensory wall.
6. Sparkling Butterfly Play Panel
Four coloured translucent windows transform sunlight into colourful shapes and shadows.
It is a lovely way to introduce colour, light, nature and visual sensory play into an outdoor space without filling the playground with additional equipment.
7. Sensory Fidget Play Panel
If you want maximum interaction from one panel, this is a standout.
Children can explore moving counters, spinning rollers, finger mazes, roller balls, twisting shapes, sliding elements and rotating components.
Ideal for creating a busy tactile sensory wall or sensory playground zone.
8. Sensory Play Panel
Inspired by nature, this panel combines tactile leaves, moving seed pods, spinning elements, coloured windows and sliding counters.
It brings together touch, movement and visual stimulation and works particularly well alongside sensory planting or natural-play areas.
9. Symphony Chimes
Sensory play shouldn't only be about what children can see and touch.
Outdoor musical chimes introduce sound, rhythm and collaborative play, allowing children to experiment with different tones while playing independently or together.
The accessible playing height also makes them a strong addition to inclusive playground designs.
10. Symphony Bongo Tree
A brilliant social sensory feature.
Children can create rhythms together using the different drums, encouraging sound exploration, turn-taking, interaction and shared play.
Pair it with the Symphony Chimes to create a small outdoor music zone.
Can Sensory Panels Be Added to an Existing Playground?
Absolutely.
You don't necessarily need a complete playground redevelopment to create a useful sensory area.
Depending on your site, sensory panels can be:
wall mounted, fixed to suitable existing fencing, installed individually on posts, grouped together as a sensory wall, or incorporated into a wider SEN and inclusive playground design.
We can also supply post-mounted panels using steel, timber or recycled composite plastic posts, allowing the finished scheme to complement the rest of your playground.
Sensory play panels for schools - Want the Complete Sensory Panel Package?
We've brought all 10 sensory and communication products together as one complete sensory playground package.
Complete 10-Piece Sensory Package — £8,500.00 + VAT
(Including - supply, install and delivery with Steel panel posts)
We can help you select the most appropriate mounting arrangement and layout for your site, whether you want a sensory wall, freestanding sensory zone or a series of activities positioned around an existing playground.
Final installation cost may vary depending on mounting method, access and existing ground conditions.
Planning a Sensory or SEN Playground?
The best sensory playgrounds aren't simply filled with sensory products.
They balance communication, sound, touch, movement, visual stimulation, active play and quieter spaces around the needs of the children who will actually use them.
Absolute Play designs, supplies and installs sensory playground equipment and inclusive SEN playgrounds for schools and organisations across the UK.
Whether you want to add two or three sensory panels to an existing playground or develop an entirely new SEN play space, we can help.
Book a free playground consultation with Absolute Play to discuss your site, pupils, priorities and budget.
Get in touch: 01482 762374
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