KS1 KS2

St Thomas More, Coventry

2 min read

School Playground Development showing children playing

Part of the Holy Cross Catholic MAC family in Coventry, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School is built on a simple but powerful belief: that the school should be a place where all are welcomed and where children, families and staff feel safe, happy and valued.

With outdoor play and physical development playing such an important role in everyday school life, the school launched its Outdoor Development Project to transform underused spaces into engaging environments that reflect the same high standards of care, inclusion and enrichment found throughout the school.

When the team first approached Phoenix Play, their existing equipment had reached the end of its lifespan and they were looking to create more opportunities for active, imaginative and physically challenging play. Working closely with the school, our Outdoor Learning Consultant, Georgia, developed proposals for three key areas: a KS1 active play zone, a KS2 active play zone and a trampoline area within the school’s SRB unit.

Designed to be enjoyed by every child across the school the brief focused on creating spaces that would develop physical literacy while increasing year-round play opportunities, particularly during the winter months when the grass field became unusable.

The initial request was for low-level linking trails in both KS1 and KS2. But through collaborative conversations about the school’s wider ambitions, creating exciting, inclusive and appropriately challenging experiences for all pupils, we used our play and educational expertise to shape a more ambitious vision.

For KS1, we recommended our Drill Monkey Rig alongside a trike track running around the perimeter of the playground. This created a vibrant, multi-use environment where children can build confidence, coordination and road safety awareness through active play. The addition of dedicated space for trikes and bikes also gave the school new opportunities to embed movement and imaginative play into the daily routine.

For KS2, we proposed The Chestnut Climber from our Legends of the Forest range, paired with two sets of Mid Bars. Together, the equipment creates a natural sense of progression between the two playgrounds, giving children something exciting to grow into as they move through the school.

The Chestnut Climber delivers challenge, adventure and social connection in equal measure. While climbing, swinging and balancing support strength, coordination and resilience, the structure also provides valuable social spaces where children can gather, connect and play together at height. Features such as the hammock create calming breakout spaces too, ideal for moments when pupils may need time outdoors to regulate, reset and recharge.

The finished play spaces have had a hugely positive impact across the school community. Pupils are embracing the new equipment with energy and enthusiasm, while staff have seen the value of creating more inclusive, active and engaging outdoor environments.

To complete the project, Georgia and our education expert Gemma delivered a “Live Learning Experience” for pupils and staff, exploring the sustainable materials used within the installation, the construction process and how to use the equipment safely and confidently. Integrated into this they encouraged children to practise key road safety messages like “Stop, Look, Listen” as part of their everyday play.

The result is a playground designed not just for play, but for development, wellbeing and memorable childhood experiences - a space where every child has the freedom to move, explore and thrive.