ESP Play transforms play at Stephen Hawking School in Tower Hamlets

This project marks the third collaboration between ESP Play and the SEN school, showcasing the ongoing commitment to create inclusive and stimulating play environments for children with learning difficulties.

Stephen Hawking School in Tower Hamlets, London, serves approximately 104 pupils aged two to 11, the majority of whom have profound and multiple learning difficulties along with sensory and physical impairments.

The school is dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and challenging environment with high expectations for all children. This is supported by specialist teachers, extensive on-site therapeutic services and a passionate commitment to the holistic development of each pupil.

ESP’s design teams were faced with multiple challenges to overcome to ensure the playground was of the standard to suit those using it, such as:

• Ensuring sensory equipment was correct, integrating; sound, movement, texture and colour elements to provide a rich sensory experience

• Making equipment accessible, offering opportunities for all children, including those in wheelchairs

• Providing quiet areas, designed for children to sit alone or in small groups, providing a calm and safe environment

• Ensuring seamless wheelchair access across the play areas, as well as for visually impaired children

Lisa Payne, School Business Manager at Stephen Hawking School, said: “All the way through, from design, build, completion and aftercare, ESP Play has been outstanding.. I was never made to feel like any of my questions or requests were 'too demanding’.

“We recently had two playgrounds installed during term time. ESP ensured there was as little impact on the children as possible and worked hard to get it ready in time for the summer term.

“ESP ensured that they reached all our accessibility and sensory needs whilst still ensuring the playgrounds were fun, engaging, beautiful to look at and most of all allowed opportunities for different types of play.

“Our children can now access parts of the playground that weren’t available to them before, experience the feel of the wind as they spin on the roundabout and swoosh down the slides. Their giggles and smiles tell us that they love their playground and we know that ESP has made it safe for them to explore.”

The school originally contacted ESP Play back in February 2019 with an ambitious intention to transform their outdoor play areas.

The playgrounds contained endless accessibility and design flaws which made using the playground a risk assessment nightmare for staff. The school had a very clear vision with independent learning and sensory experience at the core.

Simon Kelly, ESP Play Sales Director, said: “We are dedicated to creating play environments that are inclusive and accessible for all children. Working with Stephen Hawking School continues to be an incredible experience for myself and the wider team.

“We’re thrilled to see such a positive impact our playgrounds have on the pupils, our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to enjoy play.”