Best Surfaces for an SEN Playground
New government funding is now available for schools to expand their Special Educational Needs (SEN) playground provision, invest in SEN playground equipment, and develop inclusive outdoor learning environments.
Accessible, safe flooring for schools and SEN equipment is therefore rising in importance across the UK. PlaySmart has more than 20 years of experience delivering high-quality surfacing solutions for the education sector. So, our team can help you choose the right accessible soft surface to create a safer, more inclusive outdoor space.
SEN Funding Changes 2026
Since 2015, The Department for Education (DfE) have promoted outdoor play as a crucial part of education. This is because it helps boost children’s physical development, and independence and confidence in social interactions.
Updated EYFS frameworks stress the importance of a safe, inclusive outdoor space to provide for children with SEN needs. As a part of this push for inclusivity the DfE has made £640 million available to help schools fund SEN adaptations. These changes support children with of all abilities both in and out of the classroom.
To be specific, this High Needs Capital Funding can be used for:
- Specialist SEND provision including teaching spaces and other resources
- Building Adaptations for accessibility and sensory spaces
- Addition requirements for new sites for children with complex needs
PlaySmart UK supports schools and local councils with accessible surfacing. It helps you build strong SEN playground provision and inclusive play spaces.
Adapting Surfaces for Accessibility
We will work with you to supply, install, and maintain the right flooring solution for your playground. Our solutions consider wheelchair access and help reduce trip and slip hazards, creating a safer space for all children. This is key to providing full care and opportunities for children with SEN and Disabilities (SEND).
With a wide range of quality surfaces designed for durability and effectiveness, accessibility is a core part of PlaySmart’s design philosophy. Stable, flat flooring for schools and other outdoor spaces, allows easier access for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. By removing obstacles and clearing paths, children with accessibility needs can enjoy play spaces alongside their peers. This allows them to take part in play and socialise with confidence.
Here are a few of our safety surfaces that help us achieve these goals:
HybridSmart Grass
Grass fields in schools can become inaccessible due to mud, uneven hills and dips, or even holes and trip hazards. HybridSmart Grass is a grass reinforcement mesh that strengthens existing grass, keeping play fields greener and fuller for longer. It also helps reduce mud, worn areas, and uneven ground, making lawns and play fields safer for everyone to use.
An example of hybrid grass solving this issue is at Tinsley Meadows Primary School. They chose our hybrid grass surfaces to resolve a dangerous mud slide hazard on their playground which improved access to their grass areas.
RubbaSmart Wetpour
For a solid surface for wheelchair ramps and colourful pathways that also improves fall safety around Sen playground equipment, wetpour is the best option. The EPDM rubber granules in the mixture give RubbaSmart a vibrant, long-lasting colour as well as a unique texture that provides a smooth surface with enough grip to make it perfect for wheels to glide over safely.
EcoSmart Grass Mats
A quick solution to create an accessible path or playground area is to install EcoSmart mats over unstable ground. Designed to stabilise and absorb shock on grass surfaces, EcoSmart’s honeycomb pattern and thick rubber provide great grip. Wheelchair wheels stay slip resistant, and soil fill beneath the mats helps flatten bumpy ground.
Additionally, PlaySmart uses a patented installation process. It recesses each mat’s edges into the surrounding turf. This helps EcoSmart avoid trip edges or steps on the playground. For children with poor motor skills, safe surfacing like EcoSmart is vital. It gives them a safe space to take risks. They can climb playground equipment and play with peers.
Beyond Accessibility, Inclusivity is Key
For a truly inclusive space for children with SEND, schools should consider more than physical access. They should also recognise the diverse social and sensory needs of all children.
SEN playgrounds are spaces for sensory exploration and learning. This surface design philosophy helps create a cohesive space that children of all ages and abilities can appreciate. We recommend introducing bright colours and fun patterns to create a welcoming atmosphere of fun and friendliness.
Bright colours provide a crucial sensory factor that people often overlook. They are a powerful tool for enhancing mood, encouraging creativity, and creating a sense of fun.
Brightly coloured pathways with a distinct texture across the playground can also act as guides, helping visually impaired children navigate the space and enjoy greater independence during play.
For these pathways, JungleMulch is the perfect addition. Complete with rubber edge strips or recessed sides to prevent trips, the bark-like mulch surface is easy to spot. It is also easy to access for all children.
Develop your SEN Playground by Adapting your Surfaces
Choosing a surface that better fits your school’s needs is the first step to improving outdoor experiences for SEND students.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and options and get a quick quote.
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