Sensory Outdoor Classroom Design

We were recently approached by a school who are looking to improve their outdoor learning activities in their grounds but with a special emphasis on making the whole environment sensory centric for their special needs children. They also wanted to make sure that it could be used all year round and provided adequate shelter from the weather but also had to feature an outside area where children could play as well.

So we looked at re-designing our standard 5m octagonal outdoor classroom to include various facets which would feature various sensory elements. First of all, we included some play panels (chosen by the school) which are mounted internally on posts at a height which the children easily play at.

The outdoor classroom features upper glass laminated panels to provide protection from the elements (as well as a full length canvas panel to the door/entrance) but we decided that some of these should be in coloured perspex to throw in different sensory light textures.

It has a water butt and guttering system installed as well for rainwater harvesting.

We also included a special extended external decking area with timber sub-frame base for the outside play requirement and as some children like to play on the floor, we are using a special anti-slip decking with rubber inlay.

For an extra special play feature, the design includes some sensory cubes which are covered in an artificial grass.

We are always looking to further our product offerings and to be adventurous and creative, so if your school has something special in mind please do get in contact with us to discuss your plans and thoughts.