Key Points
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Edgbaston High School in Birmingham has earned a strong reputation for giving its pupils the very best start to their learning journey. Whether inside the classroom or out on the playground, the staff are dedicated to creating enriching spaces where young children feel confident, curious and ready to explore.
As the private school began planning a move for their Reception classroom to a new location on site, an exciting opportunity appeared. The new classroom would open directly onto a large outdoor space, but there was one challenge. The area was little more than a stretch of tarmac with a trim trail that was not suitable for early years children. With two netball courts beside it and one set to be retained, the space had huge potential but needed imagination and expertise to shape it into something truly special.
Wanting to create an EYFS outdoor environment that supported free flow continuous provision, the school began exploring possibilities. They hoped for an outdoor classroom, new surfacing, fencing to define a safe and dedicated space and engaging play features such as a mud kitchen. Most importantly, they wanted an EYFS area designed with care and tailored advice, ready for pupils to enjoy by September.
Eager to bring this vision to life, Edgbaston High School started searching for trusted playground designers who could help transform the space into a vibrant outdoor learning environment. Their search led them to Pentagon Play, and after browsing our wide range of equipment and inspiring case studies, they got in touch to begin planning the project with one of our fantastic outdoor learning consultants, Meg Ragdale.
The Challenges
Speaking with the wonderful Nina Hobson, the Headteacher at Edgbaston High School, Meg quickly began building a strong rapport with her and gaining a clear picture of what the new EYFS outdoor space needed to achieve. She took the time to understand every detail of Nina’s vision, while also identifying the challenges our team would need to keep in mind throughout the project.
The first major challenge was the timescale. The private school needed the new outdoor area in place for the start of the upcoming academic year, which meant the design, planning and installation all had to move swiftly. With the Reception classroom relocating and opening straight onto the outdoor space, it was essential that everything was ready for the children on day one.
The second challenge was ensuring the project stayed within a strict budget. Like many schools, Edgbaston High needed to be confident that every penny was being used wisely. They wanted long lasting, high quality equipment, but also needed reassurance that the final design would remain financially realistic and manageable.
The final challenge centred around creating an outdoor environment that truly supported EYFS development. The current space offered very little for early learners, so Meg had to ensure the new design included everything the children would need to explore, play, learn and grow. From safe fencing and appropriate surfacing to imaginative zones such as a mud kitchen or outdoor classroom, every element had to encourage curiosity and continuous provision.
After the call, Meg pulled together her notes and began working closely with the school to create a design that addressed all three challenges while still giving the children a space where they could thrive. During the design stage, she offered thoughtful recommendations on equipment that would enhance the area without exceeding the budget. At Pentagon Play, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding quality and service from start to finish, which is why we continue to receive fantastic feedback and 5 star reviews from schools across the country.
The Process
With the design signed off by Nina and her team, Meg moved straight into the next stage and began working closely with all the departments involved in bringing the project to life. While Meg continued to keep in touch with Edgbaston High School, our visualisation team began producing our well known 3D and 2D graphics. These visuals play an important role in any playground project because they help everyone see exactly what the finished space will look like. They make it much easier for staff, governors and families to understand the vision and get excited about what is coming.
As the visuals were being shared with the private school, our manufacturing team began creating the full range of equipment needed for the new EYFS area. They sourced sustainable materials and used modern machinery to produce each piece with care and attention. Because everything is made in our on site workshop, we are able to keep turnaround times very short while maintaining a very high level of quality.
Once the equipment was completed ahead of schedule, our installations team loaded everything into the vans and headed directly to the school. All our installers are trained by the United Kingdoms leading playground company and they worked quickly and efficiently while still putting safety and accuracy first.
By the middle of the summer holidays, the entire project was finished. The transformation was remarkable and Nina was excited to welcome new families in September and show them the outdoor learning space planned for their children. Meg asked if she could return once the new term had begun to see how the children were using the equipment and the school gladly agreed.
The Results
As the new academic year approached, Meg and several members of the Pentagon Play team travelled to Edgbaston High School to see how the new EYFS spaces were being enjoyed. When they arrived, they were greeted by Nina and her wonderful staff who welcomed everyone with genuine warmth. From the moment the visit began, the school team made us feel completely at home.
As we walked towards the new outdoor classroom and play zones, Nina shared how much of a difference the spaces had made. The youngest children were thriving in their new environment and were exploring every part of the equipment with confidence and curiosity. Staff told Meg that the new layout had created a far more purposeful and nurturing space for early development and they were delighted with how naturally the children had taken to it.
As soon as we stepped into the playground, our faces lit up. The EYFS children were fully immersed in play, using the equipment exactly as we had hoped. Some were experimenting with the outdoor classroom areas, others were climbing, balancing, discovering textures or simply enjoying the freedom of being outside. Every child was relaxed, engaged and happy, and it was wonderful to watch them grow in confidence in a space designed just for them.
Moving around each area, we took a closer look at how the children interacted with the different zones. It was clear that the new environment was already supporting their physical, social and imaginative development, and seeing that brought an enormous sense of pride to everyone involved.
Outdoor Classroom
Walking by all of the outdoor structure, the staff at Edgbaston High School explained how the new outdoor classroom had become a vital part of the curriculum for the EYFS children. Whenever they get the chance, the teachers will whisk their students outdoors and deliver lessons in a new environment.
Not only does this keep children engaged with the lessons, but it has also been proven to boost mental health amongst students. Hearing this, we were amazed to know how much of a positive impact the brand new structure was having on the children.
The new outdoor classroom was a Bespoke Sensory Garden Gazebo made up from three elements:
- A 5M Hexagonal Gazebo
- A 5M Hexagonal Gazebo Trellis Arbor
- A 5M Hexagonal set of Planters
By combining these three elements into one structure, the private school was able to create an outdoor learning environment that integrated both nature and sensory aspects together. The teachers explained how they believed that this new structure was the perfect place for delivering outdoor lessons.
Whether the children are taught biology by planting their own flowers, or taught maths by counting the amount of leaves on the Trellis, the new Sensory Garden Gazebo was designed to encourage children to explore their surroundings and learn from nature.
Early Years Playground
Walking on the new artificial grass surfaced playground, our team quickly saw the difference our play equipment had made to the once barren space. Instantly, the vibrant and lively space filled our hearts with joy, as we saw the children exploring their new space!
Zoned off with our beautiful Bow Top Timber Fencing, the EYFS play space offered children a variety of fun and exciting activities to engage in. From the famous Get Set Go Pennine Set to the incredible Freestanding Communication and Language Zone, children had the opportunity to develop a wide variety of different skills.
Connected to the EYFS classroom, a Freestanding Timber Canopy (12m x 4m) could be seen. Designed and built to meet building regulations, the structure provided a safe space for children to play outdoors regardless of the weather conditions. The teachers loved this addition, as they felt like weather conditions such as rain and snow would no long restrict playtimes.
The new EYFS playground offered something for everyone, from construction play to physical play. Having such a varied playground meant that all the children could engage in their playtime. Overall, the zone contained:
- The Get Set Go Pennine Set
- The Play Builder Architect Set
- A Water Wall with Water Spout and Grass-Topped Steps
- The Freestanding Communication and Language Zone
- 29m of Bow Top Fencing
- A 12m x 4m Freestanding Timber Canopy
- Over 130m² of Artificial Grass Surfacing
Reflection
Working with Edgbaston High School has been a real pleasure. Not only did we have the chance to help the school create a dedicated EYFS environment, but we were also able to support a team who are truly passionate about giving their youngest learners the very best possible start.
Seeing how much the new outdoor areas meant to the staff and children reminded us exactly why we do what we do. We believe that every child should be able to learn, explore and grow through play in an environment that sparks their imagination and supports their development. This project showed just how transformative a thoughtfully designed EYFS space can be.
We genuinely wish the very best for Edgbaston High School and their wonderful Reception pupils, and we hope that their new outdoor classroom and play areas bring joy, confidence and endless opportunities for discovery for many years to come. You will always be a valued part of the Pentagon Play family!
