Leigh on Mendip School, Somerset
Nestled in the heart of the Somerset countryside, Leigh on Mendip School, part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, is a vibrant village setting where children aged 2 to 11 are encouraged to explore, question and grow. Guided by their ethos “Nurturing Curious Minds,” the school is proud to create an environment where pupils are enthusiastic, inquisitive and ready to learn.
When their existing timber trim trail, after 15 years of use, began to reach the end of its life, the school wanted to create a new challenge for their children to enjoy. They approached Phoenix Play looking for inspiration on how to refresh their active play offering, initially considering a like-for-like replacement.
Katie from the school worked closely with our Outdoor Learning Consultant, Beth, to explore new possibilities as well as getting feedback from colleagues and pupil voice – with each design revision getting approval from those that mattered most…the children! Together, they developed a solution which focused on an all-weather play environment, designed for the whole school community.
The children now enjoy a dynamic area centred around two key pieces of equipment, carefully selected to offer progressive challenges and a variety of ways to enjoy being active with friends.
Our Legends of the Forest Willow Climber was chosen in a 1m height, offering great challenge for older pupils while still giving the opportunity for younger children to start climbing. Alongside this, the Lemur Rig introduced a different style of physical challenge at a lower level, ensuring all ages and abilities could engage confidently.
To extend opportunities for movement and play, the teachers also wanted to introduce a surrounding roadway. This created a dedicated space for Nursery and Reception children to ride, scoot and explore, ensuring even the youngest pupils could develop road safety awareness whilst being active, independent and included.
By designing an all-weather zone accessible immediately from the path, in contrast to a traditional linear trail, we were able to include more climbing opportunities and simultaneously make more useable green meadow space available to the school which previously was used for their trail. It’s a great example of how thoughtful design can unlock more value, more play, and allow more children to be able to play throughout the year.
The finished space now supports a wide range of learning outcomes, including physical development, imaginative play, communication and language, and personal, social and emotional development. It’s a space where children can challenge themselves, collaborate with friends, and build confidence through play.
“From the very start, Beth and the team were so helpful in bringing our vision to life. They took our budget and ideas on board and created something even better than we first imagined.”
Katie Payne – Office Manager, Leigh on Mendip School
“This is an amazing improvement to the school grounds. It will have a huge impact to the children’s year-round outdoor play.”
Kerry Courtier - Director of Primary Education for the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership
“Our pupils are all very excited about this fantastic addition to our school grounds. We would like to thank our multi academy trust - Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership for funding this wonderful project.”
Dan Turull - Executive Head, Leigh on Mendip School
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