Key Points
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Fox Wood School in Warrington has built a wonderful reputation for putting inclusivity at the heart of everything they do. Whether in the classroom or out in the playground, the staff are committed to creating spaces where every child feels welcome, supported, and able to shine.
As the school prepared to open a set of brand-new classrooms for the start of the 2026 academic year, there was just one problem: the outdoor areas that came with them had been untouched for years. Overgrown, uneven, and rarely used, it wasn’t the kind of space Fox Wood wanted for their pupils (especially when outdoor play is such an important part of their day!)
Wanting to give their children a place where they could play, explore, and develop with confidence, the school set out to completely reimagine the tired spaces and turn them into inclusive playgrounds that every child could enjoy.
They began to look online for reputable playground designers that could help them create a space where all children could flourish and develop safely, which led them to quickly discovering Pentagon Play. After looking through our incredible range of equipment, the school quickly got into contact with one of our fantastic outdoor learning consultants (Tom Hollingworth) to start planning the transformation.
The Challenges
Speaking to the incredible Lucinda Duffy (the Headteacher of this incredible special school), Tom started building a strong rapport with her, understanding every factor the school needed on their new play spaces, as well as highlighting any potential challenges our team needed to consider.
The main challenge was going to be having the new play spaces ready for the beginning of the 2026 academic new year. With the other playgrounds being tailored for the older years, the new spaces were desperately needed as there was no pre-existing facilities for EYFS children.
Continuing with the conversation, Lucinda highlighted the importance of making the playground inclusive. Fox Wood School is a specialist school, meaning the students that attend can have a variety of different needs. From cognitive and learning difficulties to physical and sensory disabilities, we needed to ensure that our designs offered environments where every child could play without difficulty.
Near the end of the conversation, Tom noticed how important it was that the project stuck to a strict budget. With so many schools facing reduced fundings (especially SEND schools), schools like Fox Wood need to be certain that not only is their money being well-spent, but that the equipment they purchase will last for years to come.
Once the phone call had finished, Tom compiled his notes and started working with Lucinda to create a space that ensured that all three challenges were taken care of, whilst providing a space that provided children the opportunity to escape into their imaginations and have fun!
During the design stage, Tom would make personal recommendations on what equipment could make a nice addition to the playground, whilst ensuring that the project didn't exceed the given budget. Unlike other companies, we never sacrifice quality of service. We know how important investments like this can be, which is why Pentagon Play boast a fantastic 5-star rating on Google and other platforms.
The Process
With the equipment being signed off by Lucinda and her team, Tom quickly got to work by collaborating with all the necessary departments. Whilst Tom kept in contact with Fox Wood School, our incredible visualisation team started creating our industry famous 3D and 2D graphics. These graphics are a vital tool for any organisation looking to get a playground, as these graphics can be shared with stakeholders to show them what the final product will look like, allowing everyone to get excited for it.
As the graphics were being sent, our manufacturing team started creating the wide variety of play equipment required for this job. From sourcing sustainable materials to using state-of-the-art equipment, our talented manufacturing team work in our on-site warehouse, meaning turnaround times are kept at an absolute minimum and quality is always assured.
Having all the of the equipment ready to install in record time, our brilliant installations team loaded everything in the vans and drove straight to the local school. Being trained by the UK's #1 playground equipment company, our installers know how to get everything in place as quickly and efficiently as possible, without sacrificing quality or safety.
During mid-way in the summer holidays, the project was finally complete! The overall transformation looked incredible and Lucinda was excited to show potential parents what the school could offer for their little ones. Tom asked if Pentagon could visit in September to see how the new equipment was performing, and the school was more than happier to accept.
The Results
As September fast approached, Tom and a few other members of Pentagon Play, made their way to Fox Wood Special School. Arriving at the gates, the team were greeted by Lucinda and her incredible staff. Throughout the entire visit, the staff were always warm and welcoming, making our team feel right at home.
Making our way to the new play areas, the staff told Tom how much of an impact the new play area had. Every child within the Fox Cubs unit (reception) was enjoying their playtime, engaging with all the equipment placed on the play areas. The staff felt that the new playgrounds offered a truly inclusive environment for personal development, which had the school feeling over-the-moon.
In addition, Lucinda told Tom about the open evening and how much of a success it was. She explained how parents found the new playground to be one of a kind, and she truly believed it was the tipping factor for a lot of parents when it came to signing up their child at this school.
As soon as we entered the playground, our faces lit up with pride and excitement as we saw every child in the EYFS unit having an absolute blast on their new playgrounds. Children of all abilities were laughing and enjoying their time outside, and we couldn't have been any happier to witness it. Walking around, we started to look closer at each play area to see how the children were engaging with it.
Playground One (Quiet Play)
Entering the first playground, the staff explained how this area was designated for children who wanted to relax during their playtime and engage in activities that weren't as physically intensive. In addition, the staff explained how important an area like this is for a special school, as it allows children to de-stimulate in a safe environment and assist with self-regulation.
Walking around the area, we saw children interacting with the incredible Sensory Spinners (from the Wind Farm package) and sensory play panels. These pieces of sensory equipment are vital for inclusive play, as they allow children to develop their senses in a safe but effective manner.
We also noticed the Circular Maze thermoplastic marking and Sensory Arbour within the area too, allowing children to engage in light physical activities, whilst still focusing on developing their senses. Around the perimeter of the play area, our Bow Top fencing and gate could be seen, helping to effectively zone the area and help to maintain a sense of peace within the quiet area.
The staff were amazed by the impact this zone had, and even stated how they were going to recommend this exact set up to friends and family who were involved in the SEN sector. The entirety of playground one included:
- 40 metres of Bow Top Fencing and a Double Outward Swinging Gate
- A Sensory Arbour
- The Sensory Spinner Wind Farm Package
- A Sensory Panel with Artificial Grass and Half Round Wood
- A Sensory Panel with Funturf and Timber Bumps
- A Thermoplastic Circular Maze outline
Playground Two (Energetic Play)
Entering playground two through the double outward swinging gate, we instantly witnessed the change in atmosphere. Having a blue and black wetpour surface and a variety of active play equipment, the children within this area were a lot more active, and taking part in a plethora of different activities.
From exploring the impressive Modular Play Tower Kenilworth and exploring new worlds within their imaginations, to interacting with the Water and Sand Tables to understand more about new materials in the world, this zone was designed to promote development across the board.
The staff pointed out how vital the 3.5m Gazebo has been for the school, allowing teachers to take their classes outdoors and have children learn in a new environment. Within SEN schools, outdoor learning can be a vital tool to keep children well regulated, as well as interested within the lessons you are teaching them.
Exploring more of the playground, we noticed the fantastic road design the school had incorporated within their play area. Featuring a roundabout sign, a zebra crossing and speed limit signs, the staff believed that this part of the play area allowed children to engage in role play and develop a stronger understanding of the world around them.
With such a varied selection of play equipment present on the playground, it was no surprise why this playground was such a popular spot for the children. This spot featured some of our most popular packages and equipment, which include:
- The Early Years Essentials Pack
- The Modular Play Tower Kenilworth (0.9m)
- Over 60m² of Wetpour surfacing
- A Group Music Easel from our Essentials Range
- A 3.5m Hexagonal Gazebo
- A 1-10 Caterpillar Thermoplastic Marking
- An A-Z Snake Thermoplastic Marking
- 30 metres of Roadway, with 4 unique Roadway Markings
Reflection
Working with Fox Wood Specialist School was an absolute blast. Not only did we have the opportunity to help a school develop an inclusive playground environment, but we also had the opportunity to expand our SEN knowledge and understanding.
Seeing how much the new play spaces meant to the school and pupils reminded us of why we do the job we do. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to engage in play, no matter their ability or age. Undertaking this project with Fox Wood School highlighted how much of an impact inclusive play can have on a playground.
We genuinely wish the absolute best for Fox Wood School and their new Fox Cubs students, and hope that their new playground brings smiles and joy for many years to come! You'll always be a part of the Pentagon Play family.
