Key Points
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Weston Infant Academy and Weston Junior Academy in Stoke on Trent are two thriving schools led by Principal Julie Birchall, who shares a clear vision for creating welcoming and engaging environments across both sites. With outdoor play recognised as an important part of school life, the focus is on making the front playgrounds more inviting for children while also creating a positive first impression for prospective families.
With a combined budget of around forty thousand pounds, split evenly between the two schools, the aim was not a large scale overhaul but thoughtful improvements that would make a noticeable difference. Julie was open to ideas, whether that meant vibrant playground markings, seating areas for social interaction, or smaller structures that could add colour and character. The priority was to enhance the spaces within a modest budget, ensuring both playgrounds felt brighter, more purposeful and appealing to pupils and parents alike.
Following an enquiry, Lewis Cranston, one of our Outdoor Learning Consultants, arranged to meet on site, beginning at Weston Infant Academy before heading over to the Junior school just five minutes away. During the visit, it quickly became clear that this project was about more than equipment. It was about adding value, increasing pupil numbers and creating outdoor areas that reflect the high standards of both schools. With an open mind and a shared enthusiasm for what could be achieved, the journey towards transforming both playgrounds began with real momentum.
The Challenges
Speaking with Principal Julie Birchall across both Weston Infant Academy and Weston Junior Academy, Lewis Cranston quickly developed a clear understanding of what the schools were hoping to achieve. This project was not about large scale installations or dramatic structures. Instead, the focus was on making thoughtful, high impact improvements that would enhance the look and feel of both front playgrounds while working within a modest budget.
One of the main challenges was delivering meaningful change across two separate sites, each with its own layout and age group to consider. With twenty thousand pounds allocated to each school, every decision needed to count. The spaces had to feel more inviting and vibrant without relying on large equipment, meaning careful consideration was given to features such as playground markings, seating and subtle visual enhancements that could transform first impressions.
Another key consideration was the position of the playgrounds at the front of each school. These areas are seen daily by parents, visitors and prospective families, so they needed to reflect the high standards of both schools. The improvements had to balance practicality for everyday play with strong visual appeal, helping to create environments that felt welcoming, engaging and well cared for.
Finally, the project required creativity within constraint. With budgets unlikely to stretch to major structures, Lewis worked closely with Julie to explore how colour, layout and smaller additions could deliver maximum impact. The aim was to ensure that both playgrounds felt refreshed and purposeful, supporting current pupils while also helping to attract new families to the school community.
With these considerations in mind, Lewis began shaping ideas that would bring energy and identity to both sites, proving that even carefully managed budgets can create spaces that feel exciting and full of potential.
The Process
With the direction agreed and a shared understanding of the priorities for both schools, the project moved from conversation into carefully considered planning. Lewis remained closely involved, working alongside Julie to shape ideas that would suit each site individually while still creating a consistent sense of improvement across both academies.
Rather than focusing on large scale structures, the approach centred on smart, impactful enhancements. Each front playground was assessed on its own layout, flow and visibility, ensuring any additions would maximise both play value and visual appeal. Our visualisation team produced clear, easy to interpret designs that demonstrated how colour, markings and seating could subtly redefine the spaces, helping Julie picture how relatively small changes could make a significant difference.
Behind the scenes, preparations were carefully coordinated to ensure both projects ran smoothly. Materials were selected with durability and longevity in mind, ensuring they would stand up to daily use while remaining low maintenance. With budgets carefully managed, every element was chosen for its ability to deliver impact without unnecessary complexity.
When installation began, our team worked methodically across both sites, starting at the Infant school before moving on to the Junior setting just a short drive away. Attention to detail was key, particularly as these playgrounds sit at the front of the schools and play an important role in first impressions. As the final elements were completed, both spaces began to feel brighter, more welcoming and full of renewed potential, proving that thoughtful design can create meaningful change without the need for large scale equipment.
The Results
By the beginning of April, improvements across Weston Infant Academy and Weston Junior Academy were complete, and Lewis returned alongside members of the team to see the refreshed playgrounds in use. Julie and her staff were delighted to showcase the changes, eager to demonstrate how even subtle enhancements had already made a noticeable difference to daily school life.
Stepping onto each front playground, the transformation was clear. Brighter markings, defined areas and welcoming seating had instantly lifted the feel of the spaces. Children were making full use of the new features, gathering socially, engaging in active games and naturally spreading out across the improved layouts. The areas felt more purposeful, with a stronger sense of identity and energy.
Staff spoke positively about the immediate impact. The playgrounds not only felt more engaging for pupils but also created a stronger first impression for parents and visitors arriving at the schools. What were once fairly plain entrance spaces now reflected the pride, care and ambition that sit at the heart of both academies.
Seeing both sites in action reinforced an important message. Meaningful change does not always require large structures or significant construction. With thoughtful planning and carefully chosen enhancements, both Weston Infant Academy and Weston Junior Academy now have outdoor spaces that feel brighter, more inviting and ready to support their continued growth.
Quiet Break Out Zone
Entering the Infant playground, it was immediately clear how much of an impact the new thermoplastic markings had made. The once plain surface had been transformed into a vibrant and engaging space, full of colour and opportunity. The markings instantly drew children in, naturally encouraging movement, imagination and group play while giving the playground a much stronger sense of identity.
Staff shared how quickly the children had embraced the changes. They explained that the markings had helped to structure playtimes more positively, giving pupils clear prompts for games and activities while reducing minor disputes. The space felt more purposeful and organised, yet still full of energy and excitement.
The addition of freestanding play equipment such as the Get Set Go Blocks and the Play Builder introduced a new layer of versatility and creativity to the area. Unlike fixed structures, these resources allowed children to take ownership of their play, building, rearranging and adapting their environment to suit their ideas. Staff commented on how this flexibility had encouraged teamwork, problem solving and imaginative thinking, with children proudly showcasing their creations to teachers and friends.
Together, the markings and movable resources worked in harmony to create a playground that felt both structured and flexible. The space now offers clear starting points for activity while still allowing children the freedom to lead their own experiences, making the Infant playground a more dynamic, engaging and inspiring environment for everyday play.
Overall, the Infant Playground included:
- A Harter Fell Climber
- Over 60m² of Artificial Grass Surfacing
- A Chess Thermoplastic Marking
- A "1-25" Target Thermoplastic Marking
- An Activity Trail Thermoplastic Marking
- A "1-25" Snakes & Ladders Thermoplastic Marking
- An A-Z Snail Thermoplastic Marking
- An Adjustable Basketball Post
- The Play Builder Engineer Set
- The Get Set Go! Blocks Pennine Set
Den Making Zone
Walking onto the Junior Playground, the transformation was instantly noticeable. The space felt more structured and purposeful, with clearly defined areas that supported both active play and social interaction. The addition of seating options, including the Picnic Tables, created welcoming spaces where children could sit together, chat and enjoy calmer moments during breaktimes. These areas were already being well used, providing opportunities for socialisation and encouraging positive friendships to flourish.
The Octagonal Gazebo added another valuable dimension to the playground. Offering shelter and a central gathering point, it quickly became a popular spot for pupils who preferred quieter conversations or group activities away from the more energetic parts of the space. Staff commented on how beneficial it was to have a dedicated structure that encouraged inclusion, allowing children to feel comfortable and supported in how they chose to spend their time outdoors.
For those seeking physical challenge, the bespoke Forest Trim Trail became an immediate highlight. Featuring five unique challenges, the trail invited pupils to test their balance, coordination and strength while building confidence through progression. Children were observed motivating one another as they worked their way along the equipment, celebrating small achievements together. A member of staff shared how the trim trail had already made a noticeable difference, explaining that it provided “a positive outlet for energy while building resilience and teamwork in a really natural way.”
Together, the seating, shelter and active elements created a Junior Playground that felt balanced and engaging. The space now supports a wide range of play styles, ensuring every child can find an area that suits their interests, whether that’s socialising with friends, relaxing in the gazebo or taking on the next challenge along the trim trail.
Overall, the Junior Playground offered:
- Three Picnic Tables
- One 6M Octagonal Gazebo with Decked Base
- The Helm Crag Climber
- A Bespoke Trim Trail made from:
- Over 205m² of Artificial Grass Surfacing
Reflection
Working with Weston Infant Academy and Weston Junior Academy in Stoke-on-Trent has been a fantastic experience for our team. From our first conversations with Principal Julie Birchall, it was clear how committed she was to enhancing both playgrounds and creating environments that feel welcoming, engaging and inspiring for every child. Supporting both schools and helping bring new energy and purpose to their outdoor spaces has been incredibly rewarding.
Seeing the children embrace the improvements with such enthusiasm has been a powerful reminder of the impact thoughtful playground design can have. The new markings, seating, shelter and play opportunities have already begun to encourage more active play, stronger social connections and greater confidence, while also creating spaces that feel inviting to pupils and prospective families alike.
We are proud to have supported Weston Infant Academy and Weston Junior Academy on this journey and look forward to seeing how the playgrounds continue to support their pupils for years to come. We are delighted to welcome both schools as valued members of the Pentagon Play family!
