Ashmount Primary School

Red Monkey embraced this challenge and created several diverse areas to suit a variety of pupils. A charming planting area, where children can get their hands dirty and watch nature take its course, including a bespoke wheelchair accessible planting station. A separate area included a large bespoke pirate ship with wheelchair access, on the lower decks are engaging moving sensory panels, allowing children to develop their co-ordination and dexterity. Little sailors could climb onto the upper decks and take control of their ship with the moving steering wheel.

Ashmount had their own existing outdoor classroom, which Red Monkey saw as an opportunity to take it one step further, turning it into an inspiring activity center, where pupils could explore their musical side with a variety of musical play panels. This sheltered outdoor room is perfect for outdoor learning – whatever the weather.

For the senior students, they needed a place to keep active and moving. Red Monkey created an outdoor gym zone which included both cardio and strength training equipment. We transformed Ashmount’s grounds by connecting the areas with miniature roadways over their existing tarmac paths, complete with traffic stops and zebra crossings. Small islands of grass within these roadways were home to multiple trim trails focused on improving pupil’s strength, balance and coordination.

Ashmount School was an exciting and challenging opportunity for us, with multiple areas meeting different objectives whilst ensuring children are engaged and occupied. It was a pleasure to transform Ashmount Primary School.

The designs were perfect for our students! Working with Red Monkey was an absolute pleasure. They were extremely flexible and accommodating whilst doing the installation. They acknowledged the additional challenges faced by a special school and were happy to be led by the leadership team.

Red Monkey has cleverly designed the equipment to fit the space and maximise the opportunities for children. Children are more active as a result at playtime and are challenging themselves physically, whilst having fun with their friends. The children are learning road safety and the (surface) markings are so clear that they can be seen by the children with visual impairments.

We would strongly recommend this unique, customer focused, company to any other schools in the area. It was such a professional job and the team were real perfectionists. The design, installation and office staff have provided an exemplary service and we look forward to working with them in the future.

Claire Malpas – Assistant Headteacher (Primary)