Nursery & Primary School Croydon - £185,000
Early Learning Centre Playground in Thornton Health Croydon - Water Falls Exotic Planting, Multi Play Areas, Vegetable, Fruit and Sensory Gardens
The design and installation of the new playground at Thornton Heath Nursery and Primary School in Croydon, delivered by Robert Sergent- Fairley of School Playground Designers, represents a £185,000 investment in creating a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor learning environment.
The project exemplifies a modern approach to school playground design, combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality to support children’s physical, social, and emotional development.
Quote from the Head Teacher
“This project has completely transformed our outdoor provision. The design thoughtfully balances play, learning, and wellbeing, giving our children an inspiring environment where they can explore, collaborate, and thrive.
From the sensory planting to the wide range of activity zones, every element has been carefully considered to support all ages and abilities. We are absolutely delighted with the result.”
At the heart of the design is a strong emphasis on sustainability and sensory engagement.
One of the standout features is the network of sensory mosaic pathways, which not only provide safe and accessible routes throughout the playground but also stimulate visual and tactile exploration.
These pathways connect key zones across the site, including a unique water pump feature with a carefully designed mosaic drain-away system. This interactive element encourages hands-on learning, allowing children to engage with water flow and cause-and-effect play in a controlled, safe environment.
Features of this Playground
- Mosaic pathways designed for exploration and sensory engagement
- Vegetable and fruit garden for hands-on learning about growing food
- Exotic planting including ferns and palms for a unique natural setting
- Sustainable activity area promoting environmental awareness
- Secret garden space for quiet, imaginative play
- Sensory planting with varied textures, colours, and scents
- Interactive water features enhancing play and calmness
- Naturalistic design encouraging creativity and curiosity
- Safe, high-quality construction tailored for young children
- Multi-use outdoor space supporting both play and learning
The playground has been thoughtfully divided into multiple activity areas tailored to different age groups, ensuring that both nursery and primary pupils can enjoy age-appropriate challenges.
Active play zones support physical development through movement and coordination, while quieter areas provide spaces for reflection, social interaction, and emotional regulation. The inclusion of friendship zones and quiet seating areas helps foster inclusivity and wellbeing, giving children opportunities to connect or take time out as needed.
A key architectural feature is the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Decking extends directly from the school building into the playground, creating a fluid connection that encourages outdoor learning and maximises usable space. This design approach not only enhances accessibility but also supports teachers in integrating outdoor activities into the daily curriculum.
Quotes From Parents
“The transformation is incredible—my child comes home every day excited to tell me what they explored. The sensory pathways and gardens have really sparked their curiosity.”
“It’s so reassuring to see a space that caters to every child. From the quiet areas to the active play zones, it feels inclusive, safe, and thoughtfully designed.”
“The attention to detail is amazing. The planting, the water feature, and the natural play areas make it feel more like a discovery park than a school playground.”
Robert Sergent- Fairley’s trademark exotic sensory planting plays a central role in the project’s identity.
Carefully selected plants introduce a variety of textures, colours, and scents, transforming the playground into a rich sensory landscape. These planting schemes are complemented by fruit, vegetable, and herb gardens, which provide valuable opportunities for children to learn about nature, nutrition, and sustainability through hands-on experience.
Practicality and ease of maintenance are also key considerations in the design. Raised timber plant beds ensure accessibility for all pupils while reducing the physical strain of gardening activities. The inclusion of all-year, no-maintenance lawns minimises upkeep requirements for the school, ensuring the space remains attractive and functional throughout the year.
Additional features such as storage areas, screening for privacy, and durable seating further enhance usability. The playground also incorporates a wide range of natural play elements, including sand play areas, soil digging zones, tricycle tracks, and “magic pathways” that inspire imaginative play.
These features encourage creativity and exploration while supporting physical development and teamwork. Overall, the Thornton Heath playground project is a comprehensive and forward-thinking design that balances creativity, sustainability, and practicality.
It delivers a true “wow factor” environment that not only enriches playtime but also supports learning, wellbeing, and community within the school setting.