Saint Nicholas School: Transforming Early Years Play

The Vision

Saint Nicholas School had an outdated and uninspiring Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) playground, with limited equipment that was no longer fit for purpose. The school wanted a vibrant, themed play space that would support EYFS learning objectives, encourage imaginative play, and require minimal maintenance.

The Solution

Caloo worked closely with the school to design a dynamic and visually striking playground, using colourful and durable aluminium Quali Cite play equipment with high-pressure laminate (HPL) panels, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance.

The castle-themed design was at the heart of the transformation, featuring:

• A Four-Tower Castle Multiplay Unit – packed with climbing, sliding, and obstacle-navigation activities to support collaborative play.
• A Horse & Cart Play Unit – encouraging imaginative role-play and storytelling.
• A Performance Area & Amphitheatre – providing an interactive space for creative expression and social learning.
• A Musical Sensory Zone – with instruments to stimulate auditory development and group interaction.
• Imaginative Shop Fronts Zone – designed to spark creativity and role-playing activities.

 
The surfacing was carefully planned to enhance safety and accessibility, incorporating wet-pour surfacing, artificial grass, and a sensory path, creating a visually engaging and stimulating environment for young learners.
 

Overcoming Challenges

With the playground renovation scheduled for the summer holidays, our team worked efficiently to ensure the project was completed before the children returned to school, unveiling an exciting new space ready for immediate use.
 

The Impact

The transformation was a resounding success, exceeding expectations. The new play space not only enhances physical activity but also aligns with the seven stages of EYFS learning, providing a rich and engaging environment where children can develop their creativity, communication, and motor skills.

Since its completion, the Saint Nicholas School playground has become a central hub for exploration and imaginative play, inspiring young minds for years to come.