Bringing all abilities together
Special Development Schools
Playground equipment for special development schools
Explore how inclusive and accessible playground equipment and designs foster a shared play experience for children of diverse abilities.
Outdoor play holds immense importance for children with special needs, supporting their physical and cognitive development, and enhancing social inclusion. Our specially adapted school playground equipment and educational play structures create a secure setting that stimulates sensory engagement, encourages imaginative play, and promotes sustained focus. This inclusive space facilitates group play alongside other children, fostering an environment of unity and camaraderie.
Why outdoor play equipment is important for children with special needs
Encouraging children to move and naturally explore with their bodies is crucial for their physical and cognitive growth. The outdoors enhances sensory stimulation and allows them to engage their sensory devices in exploration. Accessible outdoor playground equipment holds particular significance for children with special needs, as it enhances coordination, mobility, balance, and proprioception. The importance of play for special needs children is straightforward – it allows them to feel just like any other child.
Our playground equipment prioritises children of all abilities, ensuring they experience a sense of worth and inclusion during playtime.
Inclusive school playground design tips
When designing school playgrounds with a focus on inclusion and accessibility, consider incorporating the following equipment and design features:
Sensory Play Elements: Include play panels and musical play items accessible from the ground level.
Playground Surfacing: Sand and woodchips can be challenging for children with mobility disabilities. Choosing poured-in rubber provides a high-quality, easy-to-maintain surface that's also easy to navigate. It allows for color contrasts to aid in guidance.
Accessible Playground Structures: Select equipment with ramps or wide access points for wheelchairs.
Ground-Level Playground Equipment: Integrate ground-level options into towers or climbing equipment, ensuring children of all abilities can play together.
Quiet Areas: Ensure the playground has benches and shaded areas for children to retreat to.
Solitary Play Areas: Include individual play pieces, such as carousels or play panels.
Explore the selection of playground equipment below to enhance your inclusive school playground.
Which inclusive & accessible playground equipment will you choose?
6 Principles for Universal & Inclusive Design
We believe that children, regardless of age or ability, deserve the opportunity to play. Hence, our products adhere to six principles of universal and inclusive design.
Accessibility
Multifunctionality
360-Degree Design
Diverse Play Opportunities
Clear in Colour & Design Signals
Providing Solutions for Special Needs
Learn more about how to plan and design inclusive playgrounds here.
"I would definitely suggest to anybody who is the head teacher of a school to do the same thing and to provide more equipment for children to play with, it has a huge impact on attendance, behaviour, confidence, friendship"
- Gayle MacDonald, Head Teacher at Corpus Christi Primary School, Glasgow, Scotland
Research and user-led universal playground equipment
The KOMPAN Play Institute collaborates closely with schools, educational centre, and parents to create dedicated spaces that prioritise safe, accessible, and engaging play. Our outdoor playground equipment for special needs is specifically crafted to enhance motor learning, trigger sensory exploration, and promote social interaction among children.
You can see more about how to plan and design inclusive playgrounds here.
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