Bringing all abilities together
Inclusive school playground equipment
Providing play opportunities for all
Outdoor play is essential for children with special needs; it activates their bodies, allowing for calmer minds in the classroom, and promotes social inclusion. In this sense, incorporating adaptable, accessible, and inclusive school playground equipment will not only enhance students’ health and learning, it will also bring children of wide-ranging abilities together through a medium they all understand – play.
The importance of inclusive school playgrounds
All children need to move their bodies and discover what they’re capable of for proper physical, emotional, and cognitive development, and children with special needs are no different. However, having safe, accessible, and inclusive school playground equipment is especially vital for special needs students as it:
Stimulates senses
Encourages imaginative play
Allows for group or parallel play with peers
Enhances coordination, mobility, and balance
Perhaps, most importantly though, having an inclusive school playground – one where they are seen, heard, and valued – allows them to feel just like any kid. Our playground equipment is designed with inclusivity at the forefront, so children of all abilities feel valued and included during playtime.
Tips for designing inclusive school playgrounds
When designing an inclusive school playground, it helps to incorporate the following playground equipment and design components:
Sensory Play Elements: Add play panels and musical play elements that can be reached from ground level. Sand and water play stations are also great for elements to include for sensory stimulation.
Playground Surfacing: Opt for poured-in-place rubber as your surface material as it ensures children of all abilities can easily maneuver throughout the space. It also allows you to create colour contrasts on surface to assist in guidance.
Accessible Playground Structures: Choose playground equipment with ramps or wide access points for children with walkers, wheelchairs, or those in need of caretaker assistance.
Ground-Level Playground Equipment: Incorporate ground-level play options on your playground towers or climbing equipment; they are easy to access and make it possible for children of all abilities to play together.
Quite Areas: Provide a space within your school playground that includes benches and shading where students can withdraw as needed.
Solitary Play Areas: Ensure you have individual play pieces, like playground carousels or play panels, where students can engage in solitary play.
Below you can explore a selection of playground equipment to add to your inclusive school playground.
What inclusive play equipment should you choose?
The 6 principles of universal & inclusive design
Our philosophy is that children of all ages and abilities have the right to play, so our products are designed to follow the 6 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, behavior, confidence, friendship"
- Gayle MacDonald, Head Teacher at Corpus Christi Primary School, Glasgow, Scotland
Inclusive school playground equipment derived from research
KOMPAN Play Institute work closely with schools, education centres, and parents to build dedicated areas for safe, accessible, and interactive play. Our special needs outdoor playground equipment is designed to enhance motor skills, stimulate senses, and promote socialisation among students.
You can see more about how to plan and design inclusive playgrounds here.
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