Case Study: Brackenhill Primary School, SEN Playground – Bradford
- Absolute Play
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
📌 Project snapshot
Sector: Education - SEN
Age range served: EYFS - KS2
Key project drivers: inclusion and accessibility, sensory and emotional regulation, clear zoning for different activity types, and long-term durability. Limited Budget
Equipment type: Timber
Surfacing: Mixed - Wetpour and Resin bound gravel
Budget: £30k
Project summary - SEN Playground
Brackenhill Primary School wanted to create a bespoke SEN play space that would support a wide range of needs while offering an engaging, inclusive and calming outdoor environment. We delivered a carefully zoned play area combining sensory, physical and quieter spaces, supported by colourful wetpour and resin bound surfacing to improve safety, wayfinding and overall usability.
The brief
The school required a purpose-designed SEN playground space that would support sensory exploration, confidence building and emotional regulation, while still feeling playful and vibrant. The opportunity was to transform a tired, neglected fenced grassed area into a high-quality, clearly zoned play environment that balanced active play with quieter retreat spaces, using surfacing and layout to help pupils move confidently and safely through the space.
Our solution
We created a clearly zoned SEN play environment that brings together active, sensory and quieter spaces within a single, inclusive layout. Colourful wetpour and resin bound surfacing were introduced to improve safety, visual wayfinding and accessibility throughout the area, alongside a small clamber stack to support confidence-building physical play. A learning mound with an integrated tunnel provides both prescriptive and imaginative play opportunities, while water play features and a dedicated digging pit encourage exploration, planting activities and hands-on learning. Sensory and spring play equipment were also incorporated to enhance engagement, movement and overall play value for pupils with a wide range of needs.
Key equipment:
Mini clamber stack
1m learning mound with tunnel
Chicken springer
Play hut with seating and table
Water wall with chutes and trough
2m x 2m sleeper digging pit
Design approach:
The layout was designed around clear activity zoning to help pupils understand how and where different types of play can take place. Active play, sensory exploration and quieter retreat spaces were positioned to reduce conflict between activities and to support children who benefit from predictable, structured environments.
Inclusion, SEN & accessibility features
Dedicated quieter and sheltered areas to support emotional regulation and retreat.
Colour-zoned wetpour surfacing to improve visual wayfinding and confidence when navigating the space.
A balanced mix of prescriptive and open-ended play equipment to suit a wide range of needs and abilities.
Materials & surfacing
Equipment materials used
Timber and steel play equipment with robust fixings suitable for SEN and school environments.
Surface type used
EPDM wetpour safety surfacing.
Resin bound gravel surfacing with concrete sub-base.
MOT Type 1 sub-base beneath surfaced areas.
Why these were chosen
Wetpour provides a safe, impact-absorbing and visually clear surface that supports inclusive play and navigation. Resin bound gravel was introduced to create a softer, more natural surface for quieter and sensory areas, while still providing excellent accessibility and long-term durability.
The outcome
Brackenhill Primary School now benefits from a thoughtfully designed SEN play space that supports movement, sensory exploration and emotional wellbeing. The new playground offers pupils a safe, engaging and inclusive environment where they can build confidence, regulate emotions and enjoy meaningful outdoor learning and play.
Looking to create something similar?
If you’re planning a new play or sports project and would like an early budget or design ideas, get in touch with our team.
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