Creative Play has officially launched its innovative Play For All range, a comprehensive collection of inclusive playground equipment meticulously co-designed over a two-year period in partnership with Prospect House Primary Specialist Support School in Manchester. This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform outdoor play experiences for children of all abilities, ensuring that every child can engage in meaningful and accessible recreational activities.
A Collaborative Vision for Inclusive Play
The project originated when Creative Play was invited to collaborate with Prospect House to redevelop an underutilised outdoor area. The school's primary objective was to create a playground that not only facilitated independent wheelchair access but also supported emotional regulation and purposeful play for pupils with significant learning difficulties. Importantly, the design sought to foster shared play experiences, promoting social interaction among children of diverse abilities.
Millie, Lead Deputy Head at Prospect House, emphasised the transformative impact of the collaboration: "We envisioned a playground where every child could play, learn, and interact, irrespective of their abilities. Through our close partnership with Creative Play, we have realised a space that enhances physical development, encourages learning, and enables children to connect with their peers. Their dedication has turned our vision into a reality that makes a profound and lasting difference for our children and families."
From Consultation to Creation
Over an intensive 18-month period, Creative Play conducted detailed site assessments and design consultations with school staff, translating their practical insights into tangible, inclusive solutions. This hands-on partnership ensured that the Play For All range was grounded in real-world experience rather than theoretical assumptions, making it exceptionally responsive to the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The resulting Play For All collection is impressively comprehensive, featuring nine inclusive play towers, five sensory-focused items, and thirty-five additional components. Key design elements include wheelchair-accessible ramps, varied play routes, and integrated tactile, visual, and auditory features. These components are strategically designed to support physical, sensory, social, and emotional development, allowing children to engage independently or collaboratively with their peers.
Insights from Specialist Collaboration
Amy, Product Design Manager at Creative Play, highlighted the invaluable lessons learned from the collaboration: "Working closely with a specialist SEN school provided crucial insights into what children genuinely require from outdoor play. Equally important, it clarified what elements should be avoided. This firsthand understanding of sensory engagement and emotional regulation has been fundamental in shaping a more thoughtful and inclusive design philosophy."
At Prospect House, the implementation led to the creation of two interconnected playground spaces. One area is dedicated to accessibility and calm sensory play, while the other is designed for inclusive shared activities. The installation was meticulously planned using detailed 3D designs and completed over a three-week summer period, ensuring the spaces were fully operational when pupils returned to school.
Flexibility and Future Applications
The Play For All range is notably flexible, allowing configurations to suit a wide variety of educational and community settings. This adaptability underscores Creative Play's ongoing commitment to inclusive playground design, which recognises and celebrates the diversity of children's needs and play preferences. The launch marks a significant step forward in creating outdoor environments that are truly accessible and engaging for all children, setting a new standard in the industry.
