Hotwells Primary School
Nestled in a historic corner of Bristol, Hotwells Primary School is a small but vibrant, community-focused school with creativity and curiosity at its heart. Part of the Cathedral Schools Trust, Hotwells shares a commitment to nurturing confident, expressive learners across a family of nine inspiring schools, and it’s been a pleasure for Phoenix Play to support several of them over the years.
When major building works required the school to temporarily remove their existing play space to make way for a large Portakabin, it opened up a unique opportunity - to reimagine their outdoor area and create something even more inspiring for their pupils.
The vision was clear: a bright, cohesive, and purposeful outdoor environment that encouraged learning through play for Nursery, Early Years, and KS1 children. The team wanted the space to offer protection from both sunshine and showers, while promoting active, imaginative, and social play throughout.
Designing a Playground with Purpose
Through a collaborative design process - including on-site visits, Teams calls, and detailed discussions - we worked closely with the Hotwells team to refine their ideas and bring their vision to life. The new design creates a seamless flow between zones of play, connecting the Nursery and Early Years areas with clear pathways that guide movement across the site while maintaining safe, dedicated play spaces for different age groups.
- Messy Play Zone – Complete with planters, a mud kitchen with corner unit, and a sandpit with sliding lid, this area inspires hands-on exploration and imaginative play.
- Performance Stage – A dedicated space for drama, storytelling, and dance, featuring chalk and whiteboard panels for mark-making and fine motor skill development.
- Surfacing and Fencing – The design combines Play Grass and blue Play Carpet (chosen to reflect the school’s colours) for added texture and sensory appeal. Fencing safely separates zones while a wide double gate allows the spaces to open up for shared free play.
Key features include:
- Polycarbonate Canopy (8m x 4m) – An impressive structure providing essential all-weather shelter across both the Nursery and EY play areas. The roof features colourful translucent panels, casting beautiful light across the space and adding a sensory touch that changes with the sun.
- Jungle Climber – A dynamic focal point that encourages physical challenge, balance, and confidence, while serving as a natural gathering point for children’s play.
A Playground That Feels Connected
Previously, the playground felt disjointed, with areas that didn’t quite link together. Now, it’s a cohesive, connected space that flows beautifully, with vibrant, well-defined zones that still feel part of a unified whole.
Working closely with Georgia, one of Phoenix Play’s Outdoor Learning Consultants, the school selected equipment and layout options that perfectly matched how their pupils use the space every day. The result is a safe, stimulating, and joyful playground that reflects the school’s creative ethos and community spirit.
Educational areas supported through the new design include:
- Physical Development – balance, strength, coordination, and confidence
- Imaginative Play – creativity, storytelling, and expressive thinking
- Communication & Language – dialogue, performance, and collaboration
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED) – sharing, turn-taking, and empathy
A Partnership Built on Trust
Having worked with Phoenix Play before, Hotwells Primary knew the level of care, collaboration, and quality to expect, and this project was no exception. Together, we’ve created a safe, engaging, and inspiring outdoor environment that brings the joy of play and learning back to the heart of the school.
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