Creating an Inclusive Outdoor Learning & Recreation Space for an SEN Secondary School

Project Overview

A SEN secondary school appointed architects to design a new outdoor environment that would support both the physical and emotional wellbeing of its pupils. The vision was to create a safe, engaging space that balanced active recreation with quieter areas for relaxation and reflection.

The design incorporated robust play equipment capable of withstanding years of use, alongside sheltered seating areas that provided opportunities for pupils to unwind in a calm environment. The scheme also featured timber furniture, rubber crumb safety surfacing, and extensive soft landscaping with a variety of planting to enhance the sensory experience and overall appearance of the space.

Following a competitive tender process, FPM was awarded the contract. Our extensive experience within the education sector enabled us to submit a comprehensive and detailed tender proposal, demonstrating our understanding of working within live school environments. Combined with our competitive pricing and proven track record of delivering similar projects, this secured our appointment.

Works commenced during the spring term, with completion and handover a few weeks into the summer term.

Key Challenges

Working on a Live School Site

The school remained fully operational throughout the project. Many pupils have additional physical needs and require assistance during arrival and departure times. Careful planning was therefore essential to ensure construction activities did not impact the school’s daily operations or compromise pupil safety.

Weather Conditions

As with many external projects, weather presented a significant challenge. The spring of 2026 brought unusually high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions, creating additional demands for both site operations and landscape establishment.

Site Access and Neighbour Considerations

Access to the construction area was via an opening through a hedge on a residential road. Maintaining site security while minimising disruption to residents required careful logistical planning and ongoing communication throughout the project.

Delivering the Landscape Design

The extensive planting scheme formed a key element of the overall design. Coordinating plant procurement, delivery, installation, and establishment within the programme required close collaboration between the project team, suppliers, and landscape specialists.

Project Outcome

The completed outdoor space successfully delivers a balanced environment where pupils can engage in physical activity, social interaction, and quiet reflection. The combination of play equipment, seating areas, shelters, and landscaping has created a welcoming and inclusive setting that supports the diverse needs of the school’s pupils.

The project was completed in line with the programme, allowing the school to begin benefiting from the new facilities at the start of the summer term.

Lessons Learned

One of the key lessons from this project related to the scale and complexity of the planting scheme. To ensure practical completion was achieved on programme, planting works were undertaken several weeks before handover.

However, the exceptionally hot and dry conditions experienced throughout May 2026 highlighted the challenges of establishing new planting without supplementary irrigation. While the planting was successfully installed, an irrigation system would have provided valuable support during the critical establishment period and reduced the ongoing maintenance burden for the school.

Although irrigation systems require additional upfront investment, they can provide significant long-term value by protecting landscaping assets, improving plant health, reducing water wastage, and helping to preserve the overall appearance of outdoor spaces. For projects with substantial planting schemes, irrigation should be considered as part of the initial design and budget planning process.