We design, manufacture, install and maintain highly engaging, bespoke natural playgrounds for schools.
At TouchWood, we are experts in building environments that provide maximum opportunities for play and learning, and understand that these go hand in hand. We create exciting playgrounds that help schools deliver their learning priorities across all ages.
Playgrounds expertly curated for schools
We offer two simple ways to work with us, depending on how much flexibility and guidance you need.
Choose a bespoke playground if you…
want a playground designed specifically for your school
have a unique space or specific learning or inclusion needs
are planning a long-term investment in your play space
We’ll guide you through the process and design a playground tailored to your pupils, space and vision.
are short on time and want clear, pre-designed options
have a defined budget
want a natural, high-quality playground that can be installed quickly and easily
Our Ready to Play designs offer a range of curated playgrounds for schools, each with a focus on a different play type. These safe, long-lasting and great value playgrounds have been created by our education design team to inspire, challenge and nurture children.
At TouchWood, we understand the importance of play in the early years of childhood. Our playgrounds are designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds, offering a safe and stimulating environment where toddlers and preschoolers can explore, learn and grow.
From sensory play areas to mini adventure zones, every element is crafted to support cognitive, physical and social development. Our playgrounds are more than just fun—they’re a foundational step in nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Key Stage 1 is a pivotal time for children as they begin to expand their horizons and build new skills. TouchWood’s playgrounds for this stage are thoughtfully designed to encourage physical activity, teamwork and problem-solving.
Our equipment challenges young minds and bodies in a fun and engaging way, helping children to build confidence, coordination and social connections. Whether they’re climbing, sliding or exploring, every adventure on our playgrounds is a step towards developing essential life skills.
As children move into Key Stage 2, they’re ready to take on new challenges and adventures. TouchWood’s playgrounds for this stage are designed to provide just the right level of excitement and difficulty, promoting physical fitness, resilience and creative thinking.
With more complex structures and interactive features, our playgrounds encourage children to push their limits, work together and discover the joy of achievement. Here, play is not just a break from learning—it’s an integral part of it.
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Inclusive Play for Every Child
At Touchwood, we believe that every child deserves the joy and benefits of play, regardless of their abilities. All of our playgrounds are thoughtfully designed to be fully inclusive and are audited by David Burdus, ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities can explore, learn and play in a safe and welcoming environment.
With sensory-rich areas, accessible equipment and calming spaces, our playgrounds cater to a diverse range of needs, promoting physical, social and emotional wellbeing. We are committed to creating spaces where all children can thrive, connect and experience the wonder of play together.
At TouchWood, we’re passionate about learning through play.
Our school playgrounds are designed and built to deliver amazing and unique play experiences.
Our playground design for schools encourages children to use their imaginations to have their own adventures in a safe, stimulating, natural setting. Using the act of play to stimulate learning is something that we’re all passionate about.
Play is the earliest form of storytelling. And, it is how children learn how to negotiate with peers, problem-solve, and improvise. It is in play that basic social skills — like sharing and taking turns — are learned and practiced. Children also bring their own language, customs, and culture into play.
From climbing frames to themed structures to mud kitchens and multi-use activity areas, we’ll have a natural play solution to meet your needs.
Bringing nature indoors with a library treehouse at Winford Primary School. DISCOVER MORE
A new voyage: Pirate Ship playground for Christ Church C of E Primary School DISCOVER MORE
Enhancing play and learning for SEND students at Purple Oaks Academy DISCOVER MORE
KS1 Playground Example: Stanley Green Primary School.
Brief: To create a playground for Stanley Green Primary School that engaged the entire school with an emphasis on Key Stage 1.
The school tasked us with bringing learning and playtime back to life as the focal point of their space. So, how did we achieve this?
We provided a handcrafted magnifying glass amongst sleeper planters to allow the children to investigate nature via an ant farm through perspex windows.
We installed an interactive pea gravel pit with chutes, pulleys, scales, and platforms for children to take their imagination to the next level. There’s also a performance space taking centre stage alongside a giant story-telling throne for show and tell.
To keep the children strong and physically fit, they now have access to a fallen forest where they can balance, scramble, and play until their heart’s content.
KS2 Playground Example: Stoke Park Primary School.
Brief: To create a playground that worked across the whole school age range with particular emphasis on KS2 children.
Through talking to the staff we discovered that the existing ‘mud kitchen’ was a focal point for play. So we gave it an upgrade, adding a creative playroom, hand crafted log seats and table and a bespoke tree trunk ordering station!
Water is the ultimate loose part, and water play encourages problem solving, exploration and investigation at all stages of development. We built in hand pumps, channels, troughs, chutes and pulleys to make this a truly motivating area.
Thoughtful use of natural materials throughout the space makes for a calm and nurturing environment. Whilst the addition of a bug hotel and planters helps foster an enquiring mind and stewardship of the natural world.
Playgrounds designed for schools with bigger age gaps.
Brief: To create a playground that re-energised the outdoor spaces for Penn Fields School engaging children aged 5-19.
This playground design took an existing nature garden that wasn’t being used and gave it purpose.
The school were looking for a space that had multiple focuses for all key stage groups.
We focused on performance, physical challenge, creating social spaces for reflection and creating a space with better access to an overgrown pond.
Some of the clients we’ve worked with...
Speak with our dedicated education design team.
If you need a playground, these are the people you need to speak to.
Our team help our educational clients by guiding them through the playground design and build process. They help you understand what is achievable within your budget. They also help you visualise your project with 3D renders of your playground.
You want a playground that will help you to achieve your school priorities at break and curriculum time.
That will become a classroom without walls with the sky as it’s ceiling. That will work for you whatever the weather. That will constantly inspire, challenge and nurture your children. That will be open to new developments as your priorities change. That you can afford.
We know what you want, and so do you. Talk to us, we’re very good listeners.
We have loads of experience creating playgrounds for every budget.
Whether you need to get your funding and want an idea of cost, or you have funding and need to get as much play value into a space as possible for that budget, we know how to help you.
From early years to secondary schools, we understand your school’s play needs will vary widely. Our primary focus is to provide playscapes that encourage outdoor learning alongside play and exercise.
We work with budgets of all sizes, but typically we work on school projects that cost £50,000+.
Frequently asked questions
TouchWood Play creates playgrounds that go beyond traditional play equipment by designing natural, imaginative environments that inspire creativity, exploration, and social interaction. Our school playgrounds use high-quality, sustainable hardwoods and natural materials to blend seamlessly with outdoor spaces, fostering a connection with nature.
We tailor each design to meet the specific needs of the school community, promoting inclusive play that supports physical development, sensory experiences, and teamwork. By collaborating closely with schools, we ensure our playgrounds are safe, engaging, and adaptable — creating inspiring outdoor learning spaces where children can thrive.
In addition to traditional play equipment, we are able to provide structures to facilitate outdoor learning and forest school environments, such as planters, magnifying posts, explorer tables, stages with blackboards, covered outdoor classrooms and storytelling environments.
At TouchWood, we’re dedicated to ensuring your playground remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Following installation, we provide you with a detailed inspection and maintenance manual. This manual includes checklists based on our guidelines, enabling you to create your own inspection and maintenance plan. If you need support with this ongoing maintenance, we also offer a comprehensive aftercare service designed to support you in maintaining the longevity and safety of your play area. We can arrange an annual play safety inspection and send members of our team to address any maintenance issues that arise.
Absolutely, we actively involve all of our clients in every step of playground creation, from initial conversations and design workshops, to concept and technical design, aftercare support and long-term maintenance. Simply get in touch with our expert team to get started.
Safety is a top priority. All our equipment is designed and built to meet the highest safety standards and we collaborate with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) play safety inspectors, who evaluate risk levels according to BS EN1177 and BS EN1176 guidelines. We also offer maintenance services to ensure they remain safe over time.
The installation time for school playgrounds varies depending on the size and complexity of the project but typically ranges from one to four weeks. We work closely with schools to plan the installation schedule, and whenever possible, we arrange for the work to be completed during school holidays. This is easier the further in advance you get in contact us ahead of your desired install period.
Installing during school holidays helps minimise disruption to students and staff, ensuring a smooth and safe installation process.
Our team is flexible and experienced in coordinating around school timetables to deliver your playground efficiently and with minimal impact on your school community.
Absolutely! At TouchWood Play, we understand that budgets can vary, especially for schools. We’re committed to working with you to create a beautiful, functional playground that fits your financial constraints without compromising on quality or the natural, imaginative style you love.
We can explore a range of options, from phased installations and simpler designs to creative use of materials, to deliver a play space that meets your needs and inspires your students. Incorporating natural surfacing such as bark chip or using grass mats dramatically helps keep costs down compared to using artificial surfaces like wetpour. Get in touch with us to discuss your budget and vision, and we’ll find the best solution together.
Our playgrounds are designed and built to last, typically offering a lifespan of 15 to 25 years or more, depending on usage and maintenance. We use high-quality, durable hardwoods and natural materials that are carefully selected for their longevity and resilience in outdoor environments.
To give you added peace of mind, all our playground equipment comes with a comprehensive warranty covering structural integrity and materials. This ensures that your investment is protected and that your playground remains safe and enjoyable for many years to come.
TouchWood's design team prioritises inclusivity by designing playgrounds that cater to children with special educational needs (SEN). We create diverse play environments that offer a variety of sensory, physical, and cognitive experiences to engage children of all abilities.
Our designs include accessible pathways, sensory-rich materials, quiet zones, and adaptable play features that support different learning styles and needs. We work closely with schools, SEN specialists, and carers to understand the specific requirements of the children and ensure the playground is welcoming, safe, and stimulating for everyone.
By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, our playgrounds help all children develop confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging through play.
