Inspiration for

Preschool

Girl looking through binoculars on a playground

Inspiration for your childcare or preschool's playground

Children develop at an astonishing rate in childcare facilities and preschools, so much that it can be challenging to keep up. A great playground is not only a fun place for the children, it also inspires staff to find new and exciting ways to stimulate the children and the daily physical challenge is great for them! Experiencing the world through play gives the children the necessary social skills to prepare them for the next step in their school life. As children’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive and creative development is not only supported by play but also developed through play. At KOMPAN we develop playgrounds and play equipment for early childhood based on child observations, child involvement and child input. KOMPAN Play Institute is KOMPAN's unit of play specialists, and your way to make sure that your preschool playground is tested and safe for the children.

Why is good playground equipment important for preschools?

Play and growth are intertwined. Play is one of the seven emotional systems of the human brain and is on par with other human emotional instincts such as happiness, fear and love. For adults, simple play such as swinging, climbing, or sliding seems to be "just fun" when in fact well-chosen early childhood playground equipment teaches the children important life skills, like language development and corporation.

Jumping and running are important for building bone density and the World Health Organization recommends daily physical activity of at least three hours for the under-five, and as a minimum, one hour of vigorous physical activity for young children. A preschool with a good playground can help facilitate these requirements, which will result in healthier and happier children.

Safety is a challenge for preschool play. Toddlers can be hard on equipment, and since they are still developing their fine and gross motor skills as well as their balance, they fall down easily. Preschool playgrounds should be low and safe enough for children to play with less risk of injury. If you want to know more about playground safety, please read the playground safety guidelines.

Preschooelrs playing in car themed playground equipment

What playground equipment should you choose?

A good preschool playground allows the children to connect with peers which encourages communication and expands language and literacy skills. Therefore, the playground equipment should offer a range of physical play just as much as dramatic and cognitive play.

A good way to stimulate physical development could be through climbing. KOMPAN's early climbing product line is made specifically for the 3-6 year-old. That means the playground climbers are made with the youngest in mind - the thickness of the rope matches small hands and the steps on the rope structure match small steps.

Another great addition to your playground could be Moments™ play systems, they offer a variety of play, with physical activities crawling up in the small tower and sliding down. Bright colours, hangout spots and the theme of the play system stimulate the children cognitively and creatively.

Freestanding playground equipment is always a hit! The all-time favourites are slides and swings. Sand and Water Play are also great play activities, and you will often see the children use the equipment for hours. Get inspired by our many options of freestanding playground equipment, you will find plenty of options for your needs.

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What materials are best for an outdoor preschool playground?

When choosing preschool playground equipment you should always make sure that the materials used for the equipment are safe to play on. The materials should be eco-friendly and highly durable. KOMPAN's play panels are all made from recyclable materials, our floors on the play systems are made of High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) with a non-skid surface texture to ensure safety and a long lifetime in all climates.

The same applies if you choose a wooden playground. Organic Robinia wood is highly resistible and requires low maintenance. It can tolerate all kinds of weather and the natural look is appealing to look at. Robinia wood is a great alternative if you are thinking about a more sustainable approach. Many of our play products are now available in sustainable materials, but have the same excellent quality!

The surface of your playground is also important, as many children - especially smaller children, will take a fall from time to time. By making sure that your surface is safe, you can reduce the risk of injuries. Playground surfaces can be sand, grass, or our FLEXOTOP™ ECO. Read more about safe surfacing here.

Investing in a good and safe playground for your preschool or creche ensures that the play equipment will last for years to come!

4 things to consider

4 things to consider before you start designing your next playground

When starting a new outdoor project, it's essential to set a budget. Without one, it can be challenging to decide on the appropriate playground equipment to install. It's vital to consider surfacing and other installation expenses when allocating funds to avoid any unexpected surprises. For more information, check out our playground budget or playground grants guide.
Are you looking for the perfect style and material for your playground? Would you prefer a natural look or vibrant colours? We offer a wide range of options for both. Check out our natural playground equipment for pre-schools or explore our playground sets and systems.
Who are your users and what age group do they belong to? Does your pre-school cater only to toddlers or should your playground be suitable for a wider age range? Inclusivity in the playground is crucial to ensure that every child's needs are met.
How can the playground be designed to cater to children's overall development? Consider providing both physically and mentally stimulating play activities.

Check out our playground planning checklist for an easier overview of the planning process

See all playground planning tips