Tollgate Primary School Developing an interactive outdoor Learning Experience At Tollgate Primary School we were privileged to be able to develop our outdoor space with the help of Spring. The beginning Where do you start? Like many foundation stages at primary schools we were very concerned in raising standards and delivering the highest quality of early year's education for all our children. We have a limited outdoor space that had been neglected for years, it wasn't giving our children the inspiration they needed to fulfil their true potential. What do we do? We could make do or we could take the plunge and develop something truly amazing, luckily with the support of a very generous head teacher with a vision and trust and the support from Spring we were able to do just this. Phase One As a team we looked at how the limited space was being used by the children. We saw the need to promote all the five areas of learning: Physical Creative Personal and social Literacy language and communication Mathematics Planning We needed to get the most from these areas and worked closely with Spring in setting out some initial ideas and designs. They were able to advise us on planting and themes, and working together we were able to bounce ideas off each other and with their links with known landscape designers we were able to have a basic plan and costing in place. The area was divided up into four sections:- Alpine Forest - climbing frames, gazebo, bike track, stepping stones. Down by the sea - pirate ship, sea, heavy planting themed with palm trees, bamboos, sensory plants, beach huts, windbreak, terrace and cave. Learning zone - focused interactive tables and builders trays, storage, tables static play, racks for hanging paintings, boys writing benches. Growing Zone - potting shed, planning boxes, role play stable door potting shed, garden benches, pond, growing zone. We also had to work around an already established shelter and uneven ground all asphalt and broken slide/sandpit. This was a big project and investment and that without complete trust in Spring to deliver we would never have undertaken such a project. Spring were able to work with us in taking this project and breaking it down into easy pieces and to work around a very busy early years unit. They provided a service with the highest quality health and safety for all the community. Development Spring was able to provide us with a bespoke service that was flexible to change with the needs of our very busy learners. The products they developed all reflected the needs of the children with the highest attention to quality and of course durability. The continuous planters that integrated seating and sharing arrears for the bike track also provide to stimulate the senses in its range of planting. Cone shaped bay trees offer natural fencing. The 12ft palm trees in the middle of Plaistow offer a touch of the islands to children who might never have seen such things and stare up in wonder. The beach hut fronts all white with coloured roofs and off hooks for coats and aprons but also chalk boards for free drawing. The range of Spring static play stations are ideal for sand and water at a range of different heights for all ages of children from 3-5. One of the best storage and play tables was one that we thought of in conjunction with Spring that fit our builder's trays. Spring were able to make storage tables that fit the trays and robust enough for everything from messy play to role-play. Children and parents are taking pride in the new outdoor environment; the photos speak for themselves. This would not have been possible without partnership with Spring and level of professional service. They were able to provide the flexibility; advice and landscaping skill that made develop a truly inspirational experience for all.