Case Study: Belsay Primary School – EYFS Sensory Play Space Redevelopment, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Absolute Play
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
📌 Project snapshot
Sector: Education
Age range served: EYFS
Key project drivers: Upgrade the EYFS outdoor space while maintaining its natural, rural character, introduce sensory play opportunities, and deliver a carefully value-engineered scheme that maximised impact within a limited budget.
Equipment type: Freestanding Timber Play Equipment and natural play features
Surfacing: Sensory resin bound gravel trackway, textured paving features and sand-blend wetpour surface.
Budget: £15-20k
Project summary - EYFS Sensory Play
Absolute Play worked closely with Belsay Primary School to redesign their EYFS outdoor space, creating a unique sensory environment that complements the school’s beautiful rural setting.
The project centred around replacing an ageing wetpour trackway with a new sensory pathway and installing a sand-coloured wetpour surface, alongside new sand and water play features, transforming the space while preserving its natural character.
The brief
The school’s existing EYFS space had become tired and no longer provided the quality of experience they wanted for their pupils.
A key priority was ensuring any improvements stayed true to the natural surroundings and rural feel of the school.
The project needed to:
Replace the failing wetpour trackway
Introduce sensory play opportunities
Maintain a natural aesthetic
Work within a defined and limited budget
Integrate seamlessly with the existing environment
Value engineering was a major project driver, ensuring every element delivered maximum impact.
Our solution
Our solution focused on transforming the space through thoughtful surfacing and carefully selected play features, creating a sensory-rich environment while complementing the existing landscape.
A new sensory trackway was introduced, incorporating a variety of textures to stimulate movement and exploration, while the central sand-blend wetpour provides a safe and visually sympathetic play surface.
Key equipment:
Freestanding sandpit with sliding lid
Water wall with pump and trough
Water table and water chutes
Improved and reset stepping posts
Timber sleeper works to improve safety and integration
Design approach:
The design carefully balanced sensory play, safety and aesthetics.
The original black wetpour trackway was removed and replaced with a new sensory pathway incorporating resin bound gravel, tactile paving, crazy paving, cobbles and raised speed bump features. This creates a highly engaging route that encourages movement, exploration and imaginative play.
At the centre of the space, a sand-blend wetpour surface was installed. The natural tones complement the surrounding environment beautifully and create a soft, safe play area that visually integrates into the landscape.
Throughout the design, careful decisions were made to maximise the impact of the available budget while enhancing the existing space rather than replacing it entirely.
Materials & surfacing
A carefully selected range of materials was used to achieve the desired natural and sensory finish.
This included:
Sand-blend wetpour safety surfacing
Resin bound gravel sensory pathway
Tactile paving, cobbles and textured surfaces
Timber edging and sleeper works
These materials provide durability, safety and year-round usability while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
Installation
Works included removal of the existing wetpour trackway, preparation of new sub-bases and installation of the new sensory pathway and central wetpour surface.
Additional improvements were made to existing features, including adjustments to timber structures and installation of new play equipment.
The project was delivered efficiently, transforming the EYFS space ready for everyday use.
The outcome
The completed space has created a truly unique and engaging sensory play environment.
The natural colour palette and varied textures enhance the rural setting while providing exciting new opportunities for early years play.
Despite working within a limited budget, the transformation has been significant, demonstrating how thoughtful design and value engineering can completely revitalise an outdoor space.
Client feedback
"I just wanted to say thank you for the resurfacing in the Early Years area and sorting the posts out. We love the track with different types of blocks and the feel of the resin area." Craig Shaw - Headteacher
Looking to create something similar?
Great play spaces don’t always require large budgets — thoughtful design and clever use of materials can make a huge difference.
If you're planning to upgrade your EYFS outdoor space, we’d be happy to help.
Get in touch: 01482 762374
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