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West Grantham Primary Academy, Grantham

2 min read

West Grantham Primary Academy: Playground Markings

Part of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham Multi Academy Trust, West Grantham Primary Academy is driven to deliver an excellent education that empowers every child for a future of lifelong learning. Their ethos centres on creating an environment where potential is recognised, nurtured and fulfilled.

When it came to redeveloping their playground, the school team explored a number of providers. From the very first meeting, what stood out was Phoenix Play’s commitment to listening - taking the time to visit the school, understand the space and, most importantly, the children who use it every day.

The starting point was a large, open tarmac area that had become tired and underused. Markings were worn, opportunities for play were limited, and the space lacked the energy and purpose the school wanted to bring to their outdoor environment. With the area also forming part of the daily collection route for families, there was a real opportunity to create something that not only supported play and learning but also made a strong first impression for new and prospective parents.

Working collaboratively with the school, we reimagined the space to deliver a vibrant, engaging and purposeful environment. The new design introduces a range of bespoke playground markings that encourage active play, spark imagination and support curriculum links, all while making better use of the available space. The result is a more inclusive, visually exciting area that promotes physical development, teamwork and creativity across all age groups.

The project also included our versatile Great Explorer blocks - a flexible, moveable resource that adds another layer of creativity to the space. The children love being able to reconfigure them in different ways, building new challenges and obstacle courses each day. Their adaptability means they can be used on both the field and the tarmac, ensuring play continues whatever the weather. The result is a more inclusive, visually exciting area that promotes physical development, teamwork and creativity across all age groups.

West Grantham Primary Academy: Active Play Great Explorer Blocks

Since installation, the transformation has had a noticeable impact on daily school life. Playtimes have become more active and purposeful, with children naturally drawn to the new features and games. Staff have seen a positive shift too, with clearer structure helping to reduce playground disputes and encourage more collaborative play.

The feedback from pupils says it all, full of energy, excitement and pride in their new space:
“This is the best thing to ever happen at this school!” (Year 3 pupil)
“The new blocks are amazing! We can build a new course every day!” (Year 4 pupil)

This project is a brilliant example of how thoughtful design, rooted in collaboration, can completely transform an outdoor space, creating an environment where children are inspired to play, learn and thrive every single day.

"The entire journey of designing and installing our playground markings was genuinely exciting from start to finish. From the moment I first contacted your team, the communication was upbeat, clear, and incredibly helpful, making it easy to explore ideas and shape the perfect design. The planning stage felt creative and collaborative, with brilliant suggestions that really elevated the final layout. Installation day was impressive to watch - the team worked efficiently, professionally, and with great attention to detail. Seeing the finished markings was a real wow moment!! The children were beyond excited to see the final product!”