St Rose's SEND School Development

St Rose’s School - Creating a Truly Inclusive Sensory Playground Design

St Rose’s is a remarkable school nestled in beautiful grounds near the heart of Stroud, offering private education, therapy, and care for children and young adults aged 2 to 25 with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism. In the Nursery they have mainstream children, as well as children with disabilities. Many of the students have physical disabilities, as well as sensory, learning and communication difficulties; some also have complex health needs. 

When the team at St Rose’s reached out to us, they had a clear and heartfelt vision: to transform an underused part of their site, made inaccessible by uneven surfacing and exposed tree roots, into a magical, multi-sensory play space. A place where all their pupils, from nursery age through to young adults, could play side by side. A space where movement, exploration, and joy were truly accessible to everyone.

Accessibility was at the heart of the design. St Rose’s wanted to create a fenced play area where their pupils, including those in Nursery, could play freely alongside each other. Surfacing was a key aspect, making the entire space accessible by wheelchairs, as many of the students at St Rose’s have complex physical disabilities. All designs had to adhere to DDA guidelines.

Sensory-Rich Features Included:

• Wheelchair-accessible raised planters: Inviting children to connect with nature - planting herbs like mint to awaken the senses and calm the mind.
• Musical instruments: Encouraging curiosity, sound exploration and joyful interaction, these were dotted around the space creating a feel of discovery as the children explored the play area.
• Multi-sensory panels: Mirrors, textures, and sounds placed throughout to spark imaginative journeys.
• DDA-compliant raised platforms: Two large bespoke decks, 300mm high, fully accessible to wheelchair users - giving every child the chance to experience elevation and a new perspective.
• Textured pathways: A seamless flow of resin bound gravel, wetpour, bonded rubber mulch, and timber decking - providing both grip and a sensory journey underfoot or under wheel.
• Playful 'speed bumps': Raised features in the path to add an element of surprise and delight for users navigating through the space.
• Sensory archways: Rainbow-coloured overhead structures casting dancing light onto the paths below - adding wonder to every step.

Play for All Ages & Abilities

Existing play features such as the roundabout, swing and in-ground trampoline were lovingly refurbished and thoughtfully integrated, blending the familiar with the new. The addition of a beautifully designed outdoor classroom offers a shaded hub for learning, storytelling, and quieter moments and created a second entrance to the play space.

A Legacy of Community Spirit

This project was more than a playground, it provided a space that is safe and engaging for all pupils. Along with our collaborative playground design approach, elements of the project were driven by the passion of the school and the generosity of parents. One family, whose child attends St Rose’s, helped secure essential materials through their family business, Smiths of Gloucester, donating stone, plant, skips, and Heras fencing to keep installation costs low and maximise impact of the school's budget.

The result was a sensory-rich, fully inclusive play space that has transformed both playtime and lesson time. A place where every child can experience movement, joy and connection together.