Oakridge Infant School

Landscape Institute Award 2015

Oakridge Infant School approached HCC Landscape Architects for design advice with their early years space. They had worked with the HCC Landscape Strategy Group, which gave them a clear overview of their grounds and a strong feel of how external spaces can complement learning indoors.

The Landscape Architect worked on the project with all staff and engaged with pupils who were asked about favourite games and types of play. The resulting design encourages child-led play, provides separate areas for quiet and noisy activities, and makes full use of spaces the school thought too small or exposed. Boundary hedge planting helps provide privacy.

Central to the design is that the school grounds act as a rich learning zone. In the spaces created, the pupils learn about volumes and movement through water play; practice gross motor skills and balance in both bamboo planted trails and a “trim trail”; and engage in creative play on timber play stages. The new design also includes a scooter track with its own parking slots, a swathe of sensory planting enclosing a grassed area for teddy bear picnics, and a wigwam for role play.

The school were delighted with the results and engaged with HCC Landscape Architects on a second phase of work.

Thought I’d touch base and tell you what exciting play continues to go on in our playground. The children are so at home in it and their play has changed so completely. I really can’t thank you enough!