Pupils at Downe Primary School, part of The Pioneer Academy trust, are delighted by the brand new outdoor sensory area in their school playground.

As well as jumping for joy on the in-ground trampoline, the children were also excited to play with a range of equipment including a giant abacus, art and textile panels, a sandpit and ‘moveable music’ – large xylophones and outdoor bass drums.

Pupils are able to enjoy reading stories on the grass covered seating blocks and they can watch the water wall. New planters are also a feature, so the children will see their playground grow.

Sensory activities support children’s wider development, helping to boost their social skills, problem solving abilities and creativity as they play and learn together with their classmates.

Timotay Playscape designed and installed the sensory area which includes the finest quality, natural redwood timber for the playground equipment.

Matt Ferguson, Head of School at Downe Primary, said:

“We are hugely grateful to The Pioneer Academy and Bromley local authority for the funding which enabled this brilliant outdoor learning area to be built.

“It is wonderful to see our pupils enjoying their new area. We can already see the confidence and happiness they gain from playing and learning together outside.”

Lee Mason-Ellis, CEO at The Pioneer Academy, said:

“We believe that all children deserve the best learning experience possible and outdoor learning is an excellent way to ensure that their experience at school is enriching.

“It is such a joy to see the children enjoying being outside, being curious and inspired by the world around them.”