INCLUSIVE PLAY FOR SCHOOLS AND COUNCILS

Inclusive play means that play equipment is designed to be available to everyone – and that access has been made a priority in design. Play spaces that are designed by schools and councils should be open to everyone, whether able-bodied or not, and it’s vitally important that all needs are catered for when creating these areas. So, what considerations are there when it comes to inclusive play for schools and councils?

Intelligent area design

The way that a play area is designed will have a big impact on how much it can be enjoyed and how inclusive and accessible it is. For example, link paths will allow access to equipment during all weathers and no matter what kind of physical needs a child has. Pathways are easily used by able-bodied children and are also vital access for others who might need to use a play space, whether that is a carer pushing a wheelchair or a parent with a pram. There are lots of advantages to installing the right pathway, including that they provide a stable surface underfoot and can also be used to add creativity and engagement to a play area where colours and shapes are being incorporated.

The right surfacing is key for pathways

There are lots of different options when it comes to pathway surfacing for play areas – and picking the right one is going to make a big difference to how effective and inclusive that play area can really be.

• Wet pour rubber is a very practical and popular option thanks to the smooth and stable surface that it offers, as well as the fact that it can be used to create a whole wide range of engaging and colourful designs. Wet pour rubber is also very long-lasting and meets high standards of safety, including when it comes to protecting in the case of falls.
• Rubber mulch is another very popular choice although one that looks slightly different from wet pour rubber. Rubber mulch is made up of larger strips of rubber and has a more rustic appearance. It’s ideal for woodland spaces and areas that have more hills and curves and has a natural look and feel. It’s simple to install and also meets key safety standards.

Inclusive equipment types

As well as the suitability of the area design it’s also going to be vital to pick the right, inclusive equipment. Ideally, equipment will always be recognisable to children – it will look like the kind of equipment normally found in public spaces and children will be able to clearly identify with it. Most inclusive play equipment for schools and councils should incorporate activities, such as jumping, swinging, and rotating – with adjustments to accessibility for those children who might need more support when it comes to their physical needs being met.

Inclusive play for schools and councils has become a priority in recent years.  Achieving objectives around this means ensuring that both the play area – and any equipment that is going to be used in it – are suitably well designed. Our range of inclusive playground equipment has been designed to give children of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy outdoor play. 

For more information on INCLUSIVE PLAY FOR SCHOOLS AND COUNCILS talk to Caloo Ltd