Fairways Primary School, Leigh on Sea
Creating a natural, active play trail beneath the trees
Fairways Primary School is a two-form entry school in Leigh-on-Sea, catering for children aged 4 to 11. With a strong commitment to outdoor learning, the school wanted to transform part of its beautiful tree-covered outdoor area into a purposeful space for active play. Although the setting was naturally inviting, it lacked opportunities for climbing, balancing and building upper-body strength, with only a grass-covered concrete mound and a few additional loose resources available.
The school loved the idea of a natural trim trail woven through the trees, creating the feeling of children climbing, swinging and travelling through the woodland. Timber equipment would blend naturally with the surroundings while offering a striking feature for families and visitors as they approach the school’s main entrance.
Objectives
Fairways wanted a play space that offered:
- A richer range of gross motor challenges, especially for upper-body strength and hand-eye coordination
- Opportunities to develop grip strength and fine motor control through grasping and climbing
- Experiences that build communication, teamwork and confidence
- A sustainable challenge that Reception children could grow into as they develop
- A space that Reception children use daily, with additional access for Year 1 and for SEND pupils who benefit from sensory and physical play during quieter times
The Design
Working closely with the school, we created a trim trail that fits perfectly within the natural layout of the trees. The chosen equipment offers a range of physical and social challenges that will grow with the children across the academic year. The development included:
Timber Stepping Trees
These wide platforms act as sociable stepping points that encourage children to problem-solve together. When our local Outdoor Learning Consultant, Gemma, returned to visit the school after installation, a group of three children were seen modelling and explaining different ways to reach the next platform. This simple piece of equipment was helping them build empathy, confidence and communication as well as developing balance.
Timber Step Posts
Installed at varied heights to encourage progression, the posts offer a playful route that challenges balance, coordination and bravery. Over time, children aim to cross the entire set without their feet touching the floor.
Full Climbing Wall Traverse – Double Sided
A standout feature that supports upper-body strength, grip development and fine motor skills. Younger children begin by using the lower beam for foot support, while older or more confident children can progress to using the hand and foot moulds independently.
The double-sided design invites children to duck and weave between the panels, race a friend or climb alongside a partner, offering some friendly competition and rich social and imaginative play.
Hanging Rope Tightrope Traverse
Designed to build core strength, posture and grip, this piece challenges children to balance and hold as they make their way across. It is intentionally demanding, giving young children a safe way to test their limits and celebrate their growing confidence as they learn to traverse across without falling.
Making It Work
The design had to work within a tight footprint and set budget, but the result is a trail packed with purposeful play value. The finished area supports key areas of learning including:
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development including teamwork, turn-taking, confidence and sense of self
Feedback
The installation team was praised for their professionalism and care. The installation took place in term time, and the school team were very pleased with how little disruption this caused and acknowledged the learning opportunities for the children from seeing the design be brought to life! The site manager, James, said:
"Sean and Liam were especially good during the installation – efficient, polite, tidy – can’t say enough good things about them really."
EYFS Lead Alison Hawkridge also said “We asked Gemma and her team to design a trim trail that could be built nestled amongst the trees. We are so happy with our design and build. It has had such a positive impact on our Reception children, from working on their gross motor skills, to risk taking and developing their social skills.”
Fairways Primary School now has a beautiful active trail that feels completely at home beneath the trees and gives their youngest learners the physical challenge, imagination and social connection they were hoping for.
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