Outdoor Classrooms And Shelters
Our outdoor classrooms provide an engaging outdoor space for children to listen, learn, and collaborate.
Filter by:
Nursery | Early Years | KS1 | KS2 | SEN
Tips & Guides, News & Updates, Learning & Development, Outdoor Classrooms & Shelters, Role Play, Sensory Play, Outdoor Playground Equipment
From Tired to Inspiring A Straightforward Guide to Redeveloping your Play Area
Every play space has the potential to become something more. Whether your existing area feels tired, underused or simply no longer meets the needs of the children using it, redevelopment is an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible. With thoughtful design, the right ideas and a clear vision, we can transform your space into something exciting, engaging and full of possibilities.
1) Start with the Children
Not sure where to start? Start by thinking about the children.
Before choosing equipment or deciding on a layout, take a step back and consider what the space needs to offer. Look at how the children use the area now, what they enjoy and where there might be opportunities to encourage new types of play.
Ask yourself:
Who will be using the space? Consider their ages, interests and abilities.
What do they enjoy doing? Think about climbing, running, roleplay, exploring, creating, or simply spending time together.
What’s missing? Are there types of play that your current space doesn’t offer?
How do they move around the space? Could the layout encourage more exploration and discovery?
Where can they take a break? Consider quieter areas alongside more active play.
How can everyone get involved? Think about different abilities and different ways of playing.
You don’t need to have all the answers at the beginning. Understanding the children and their needs is the first step towards creating a play space that works for them.
2) Look at the Space You Already Have
Before deciding what to add, take a good look at what is already there.
Every play area has different possibilities, even if the space currently feels small, tired or underused. Think about what works well and what could be improved. Are there areas that the children rarely use? Could existing equipment be updated or given a new purpose and are there parts of the space that could offer more opportunities for play?
It is also important to consider the practical side of the space, including:
The size and layout – how much space is available and how do the children move around it?
Existing equipment – what can stay, change or be removed?
Ground conditions – Are the current surfaces suitable for a safe play space
Natural features – Are there trees, planting, slopes or other features that could become part of the design?
You do not always need to start from scratch. Looking carefully at what you already have can help you see opportunities that may not have been obvious before.
3) Create Different Opportunities for Play
A great play area should encourage children to play in different ways.
You might want to include areas for:
Physical Play – Climbing, crawling, balancing, jumping and running.
Imaginative Play – Roleplay, storytelling and creating their own games.
Sensory Play – Exploring different textures, sounds, movement and natural materials.
Nature and Discovery – Planting, wildlife areas and opportunities to explore the natural world.
Creative Play – Messy play, mark making, music and open ended activities.
Social Play – Spaces where children can meet, communicate and play together.
Quiet Play – Calmer spaces where children can relax, observe or take some time away from the main play area.
Creating this variety means that children can find different ways to engage with the space depending on their interests, confidence and individual needs.
4) Think About Inclusivity
A truly inclusive play space supports more than just physical accessibility. It should also consider children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and how they experience the world around them. Through creating a range of spaces and play opportunities, you can ensure that every child feels comfortable, supported and able to engage in a way that suits them.
What to think about:
Access routes that allow everyone to move through the space with ease.
Different levels of challenge so children can build confidence at their own pace.
Sensory experiences including textures, sounds and natural materials for exploration and regulation.
Quiet retreat spaces where children can pause, reset or enjoy calmer play.
Social play opportunities that encourage children to connect, collaborate and play together.
Choice and independence so every child can engage with the space in a way that feels right for them.
An inclusive play area isn’t just about removing physical barriers, it’s about creating an environment where children can feel safe, valued and confident, supporting both their physical development and mental wellbeing through play.
5) Consider Your Budget & Priorities
A playground redevelopment can feel like a big project, particularly when there are lots of ideas to consider.
Start by identifying the areas that would make the biggest difference to your children. You can then prioritise your investment, and where necessary, consider developing the space in stages. A good playground design should work with your available space and budget whilst still creating meaningful opportunities for play.
6) Work with an Expert Team
Once you understand what you want to achieve, working with an experienced design team can help bring those ideas together.
A specialist team can help you make the most of your available space, develop bespoke designs, consider safety and accessibility, and create a play environment that works as a whole, rather than simply adding individual pieces of equipment.
At Red Monkey Play, our expert in house design team works closely with schools, nurseries and other play spaces to turn their ideas, requirements and challenges into bespoke outdoor spaces that truly tell a story.
And as we’re ‘Backed by BESA’ you know you’re working with a professional and trusted educational supplier.
Your Playground, Your Story
Redeveloping a play area is an opportunity to completely rethink how children experience their outdoor space.
It isn’t simply about replacing old equipment with something new, it’s about creating an environment that encourages children to move, imagine, explore, create and play together.
Every school and nursery is different. Every space has its own opportunities. And every group of children has different needs.
That’s why we don’t believe in one size fits all playgrounds.
At Red Monkey Play we believe in creating play spaces that are designed around the children, the setting and the story behind each project.