Barningham Primary School, Bury St Edmunds
Set in the heart of a rural village, Barningham Primary School provides education for children aged 3-11 and welcomed a brand-new Nursery in September 2024. With a strong focus on outdoor learning, the school returned to Phoenix Play following previous projects - built on a trusted relationship with our Outdoor Learning Consultant, Marion.
They had a piece of condemned equipment that needed replacing, and the school wanted to use the opportunity to introduce something fresh, exciting and more suitable for their youngest learners, particularly those in EYFS. They were also keen to revitalise the space, so new Play Grass was added beneath and around the equipment to brighten the area and improve the overall finish.
Together, we selected the Hazel Climber from our innovative Legends of the Forest range. Designed to spark adventure, imagination and stories yet to be told, this range offers climbers of varying heights and complexity to suit every playground. The Hazel is the smallest in the collection, making it ideal for younger children while still offering rich opportunities for challenge and progression.
Packed with features including timber crossings, a grass-topped platform, hammock, overhead and angled guide ropes, a drop rope crossing, slalom weave traverse and suspended net, the Hazel Climber supports the development of balance, coordination, upper body strength, core stability and gross motor skills. Just as importantly, it encourages social play, turn-taking, confidence building and positive risk-taking.
The design process was fully collaborative, ensuring the final solution met the school’s educational aims, space requirements and budget. The finished playground now supports key areas of learning such as Physical Development, Imaginative Play, Spatial Awareness, Balance and Climbing - all through purposeful, engaging outdoor play.
Stephany Hunter, Headteacher, said:
“Our journey with Phoenix Play was a positive and well-managed experience from start to finish. From the initial meeting and design stage through to booking the project with the operations team, the process was clear and easy to navigate. The team were knowledgeable and supportive in helping us choose the right equipment for the space we had.
During installation, staff on site were conscientious and respectful of the school environment, even with children watching during break and lunchtimes. They worked hard, communicated well, and completed the project ahead of schedule. We would be happy to recommend Phoenix Play to other schools.
The children have really enjoyed the new play equipment and it has quickly become a popular part of the school day. At times the whole school has wanted to use it, so we have introduced a rota to make sure everyone gets a turn. It has been particularly pleasing to see that even our oldest pupils, aged 10–11, are engaging with and enjoying the equipment.”
The project was proudly funded by Friends of Barningham, the school’s PTA, who raised the funds through a year of dedicated fundraising events, including their Christmas and Summer Fayres.
At Phoenix Play, we don’t just build playgrounds – we help shape futures. And at Barningham Primary, this new outdoor space is already helping children of all ages climb, explore, imagine and grow.
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