EYFS Playground Design and Install at Hawthorne Nursery & Primary School, Nottingham | Absolute Play - Case Study
- Absolute Play
- May 26
- 3 min read
📌 Project snapshot
Sector: Education / EYFS
Age range served: FS1 & FS"
Key project drivers: Create two engaging EYFS outdoor environments on a largely blank canvas site, establish clear zoning and progression between FS1 and FS2, maximise natural and sensory play opportunities, and provide versatile outdoor curriculum spaces with strong physical and discovery play provision.
Equipment type: Clamber Stack Midi, shelters, sand & water play, mud kitchens, role play equipment, sensory stage, planting features, physical play equipment and natural play elements.
Surfacing: Artificial Grass, Resin Bound Gravel, Earth Tone Wetpour, Thermoplastic Roadways.
Budget: £90,000.00 +VAT
Project summary - EYFS Playground Design & Install
Another large-scale EYFS Playground Design and Install for Absolute Play and a fantastic project to be involved with. Working across both FS1 and FS2 at Hawthorne Nursery & Primary School’s new site, we transformed what was almost a complete blank canvas into two vibrant, engaging and carefully zoned outdoor learning environments.
The finished spaces combine physical play, discovery play, natural features, sensory experiences and sheltered learning opportunities, with strong progression between the two age groups.
The brief
The school wanted to develop both the FS1 and FS2 outdoor environments at their new site, creating spaces that felt connected but still delivered age-appropriate challenge and learning opportunities.
A major opportunity within the project was the flexibility offered by the site layout, allowing the team to completely rethink how the environments functioned. The brief centered around introducing clear zoning, natural play, planting, physical development, sensory experiences, discovery play and sheltered areas, whilst ensuring good progression between the two spaces.
Our solution
• Created two complimentary EYFS environments tailored to different stages of development.
• Introduced strong zoning for physical play, sensory exploration, role play, discovery and quieter learning activities.
• Developed extensive sand, water and mud play provision across both spaces.
• Incorporated shelters, planting and natural features to soften the environment and encourage outdoor learning.
• Created clear progression between FS1 and FS2 through equipment selection and layout.
Key equipment:
• Clamber Stack Midi
• Faux Living Wall Feature
• Bespoke Sleeper Nature Garden & Planting
• Shelters & Integrated Sleeper Sandpits
• Water Tables, Water Wall & Water Chutes
• Mud Kitchens & Discovery Areas
• Role Play Shop & Play House
• Sensory Stage
• Balance Equipment, Rope Walk & Humpback Hill
• Thermoplastic Roadways with Zebra Crossings
Design approach:
Zoning was fundamental to the success of this scheme. The layouts were designed to create a clear balance between physical play, sensory exploration, discovery play and imaginative learning, whilst allowing staff to easily oversee and manage multiple activities throughout the day.
The FS1 space focuses heavily on sensory experiences, role play, natural exploration and creative learning opportunities. Within FS2, increased physical challenge and progression were introduced through climbing, balancing and movement-based play.
Natural tones and softer materials were selected throughout to compliment the wider environment and support the early years ethos.
Inclusion, SEN or accessibility features
• Strong zoning and clearly defined activity areas.
• Multiple sensory play opportunities throughout both spaces.
• Open-ended, collaborative and imaginative play experiences.
• All-weather surfacing solutions to maximize year-round usability.
Materials & surfacing
A carefully selected blend of Artificial Grass, Resin Bound Gravel, Earth Tone Wetpour and Thermoplastic Surfacing was used throughout the project.
Artificial grass provides a vibrant, low-maintenance and all-weather finish, whilst resin bound gravel and earth tone wetpour introduce softer textures and more natural aesthetics appropriate for EYFS environments.
Natural materials, sleeper details and one of our favorite features — the faux living wall — help soften the overall feel of the scheme, screening the adjacent car park and creating a striking green feature on arrival.
Installation
As a substantial dual-area EYFS redevelopment, careful coordination was required throughout installation to manage multiple surfacing types, shelters, planting features and equipment zones.
Delivering two separate but connected environments required detailed planning to ensure a cohesive finish and smooth program across the development.
The outcome
Hawthorne Nursery & Primary School now benefits from two engaging, vibrant and future-proof outdoor learning environments that support physical development, sensory exploration, imaginative play and outdoor discovery.
The spaces deliver excellent progression between FS1 and FS2 whilst offering versatile, practical and inspiring outdoor provision for children and staff alike.
Client feedback
"We are absolutely delighted with the finished spaces. They now provide so much more opportunity for exploration, learning and active 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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