Reimagining Play and Learning at Blowers Green Primary School

January 16, 2025 Lauren Croll

At Play to Measure, we believe that every child deserves a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Our latest project at Blowers Green Primary School in Dudley is a testament to our commitment to fostering child development through creative play and outdoor learning. Using responsibly sourced timber and high-quality materials, we have crafted unique play structures that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, encouraging children to explore and learn in an immersive outdoor setting.

We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible outdoor play area designed and built by Play to Measure for our learners at Blowers Green Primary School. Our tired outdoor space has been completely transformed into a vibrant, imaginative haven, thanks to Keith and his talented team. Drawing on Keith's experience as a play leader, every element of the design was carefully crafted to maximise children’s learning and engagement. The new area includes a theatre, craft station, workshop, sand and water play, and even our very own bespoke 'Crooked House,' which is entirely unique to our school. The creativity and vision that went into the design have truly brought our outdoor space to life. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail far exceeded our expectations. Keith and his team were meticulous, professional, and incredibly accommodating throughout the entire process. They listened carefully to our requirements and ensured that every detail was delivered to perfection—nothing was ever too much trouble. The final result is an outstanding play area that our children adore and will enjoy for many years to come.

Zoe Adams, Head Teacher, Blowers Green Primary School

Custom Structures Tailored to Educational Needs

Our approach at Blowers Green Primary School involved creating custom structures that are both functional and imaginative, tailored to the specific needs and budget of the school. Here are some of the standout features of this project:

Craft Central

This craft station consists of five interlinked giant sturdy timber tables and extensive water-tight storage for craft materials. It's a space where creativity is nurtured, supporting fine motor skills and collaborative projects.

The Crooked Village Shop

Inspired by the famous crooked house in Dudley, this imaginative play shop features a cedar shingle roof, a serving hatch, internal shelving, and ramped entrance providing a perfect setting for role-play activities that are vital for the cognitive development of primary-aged children.

The Workshop

A large, rustic, multi-functional workshop with a decked floor and a steel roof with clear panels to maximise natural light. This space includes a full-length woodworking bench, bespoke tool storage, and sliding door front with Perspex window, making it ideal for a variety of educational activities.

The Mega Mud Café

Designed specifically for messy play, this mud kitchen includes a Belfast sink, taps, and a variety of play areas that encourage sensory experiences and imaginative play, crucial for early childhood development.

The Theatre

A large Victorian-themed outdoor stage that includes a variety of musical instruments and interactive features, fostering an appreciation for the arts while encouraging performances, role play and self-expression.

Sand and Waterworks

Featuring a sturdy sandpit and an innovative four-sided water play structure, this area is designed to provide sensory-rich experiences in a fun, interactive environment.

The Chalk Wall and Grow Bed

We developed a new creative space on the backwall of the playground, designed to inspire young minds and foster a connection with nature. This area features two large wall-mounted chalkboards for children to express their creativity through drawings and writings.

Adjacent to these chalkboards is a 3-meter-long planter, ready for planting. Planters in primary schools are wonderful tools for young learners, offering hands-on experiences that enhance educational understanding of nature and science. Gardening activities not only teach children about plant life cycles and environmental sustainability, but also foster responsibility, cooperation, and creativity.

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning environments play a crucial role in child development, offering numerous benefits over traditional indoor classrooms. Engaging with nature not only boosts children's physical health but also enhances their cognitive abilities, encourages creativity, and supports social and emotional development. Studies have shown that children who regularly participate in outdoor learning activities are more attentive, better at problem-solving, and exhibit improved performance in school.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Play Environments

At Play to Measure, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. All our timber is responsibly sourced, and our designs incorporate elements of the natural environment to minimise our ecological footprint while maximising the learning value of each space.