Orton Longueville Playgroup, Peterborough
Orton Longueville Playgroup, located on the outskirts of Peterborough, is a welcoming village setting dedicated to supporting children aged 2-4 through their early learning journey. The team decided to work with Phoenix Play to complete their vision for their play space.
While much of the area had already been enhanced, one key element remained - a fenced-off sandpit space with huge potential. The goal was to reimagine this area as a large, open-ended sand play environment that could be used all year round.
Working collaboratively with the playgroup, we designed a space that brings together shelter, sensory engagement and independence. A full canopy now covers the area, ensuring children can access sand play in all weathers. Cladded sides provide protection from the wind while still maintaining an open, outdoor feel.
To enrich the experience further, coloured bubble windows and roof panels were introduced, adding light, colour and opportunities for sensory exploration, as well as playful interaction between children on either side.
The design also carefully considered independence and flow. A covered access walkway allows children to remove and change footwear comfortably, supporting self-care and autonomy. Integrated storage enables children to independently choose the resources they need, encouraging ownership of their play and building confidence.
At the heart of the space is a large, sociable sandpit designed for open-ended play. It invites children to explore, collaborate and follow their own interests - supporting communication and language development, personal, social and emotional growth, and physical skills.
Additional features, such as a raised sand table, introduce variation in height and play opportunities, allowing children to experiment with movement, gravity and cause and effect. The ability to incorporate water further expands opportunity, supporting Understanding of the World and Characteristics of Effective Learning.
The space naturally lends itself to a wide range of learning outcomes, from early maths concepts like capacity and measurement, to imaginative play, mark making and sensory discovery.
The impact has been immediate. Children are spending more time outdoors, fully engaged and excited by the opportunities the space offers.
Feedback from the Management was: "We chose Phoenix Play to bring our plans for a new sandpit to reality, the whole process from planning to completion was very easy and very well organised. The children loved watching the sandpit and canopy being built and were so excited to use it when it was finished. The install team were great, their work was of a very high standard and they kept us well informed throughout the installation, and were very considerate especially at drop off and pick up times when the children and parents were sharing their access to the site. Everyone loves the new sandpit and it definitely enhances our outside provision "
"Big improvement on last one, lovely and spacious for all the children. My little boy told his grandad all about it and comes home every night and talks about it!"
From a Parent
"Love it! The large size gives plenty of room to play and explore the sand, especially for those with sensory needs. Great for mathematical play. The children all want to be outside more and are always very excited to play in the sandpit now, especially as it can be used in all weathers with having the large canopy. "
From the Staff
