We were delighted to be contacted once again by Dreams Come True to support a new school sensory garden installation at Leycroft Academy. Having successfully delivered a number of projects with the charity, they trusted us to design and install an engaging outdoor sensory learning space that would transform an unused grassed area into a vibrant, interactive environment for pupils.
The aim was to create a multi-sensory outdoor learning area that would support sensory development, encourage active play and enhance curriculum-based learning through hands-on interaction.
School Outdoor Learning & Sensory Play Requirements
Working closely with the school and Dreams Come True, a clear brief was developed to create a fully inclusive SEN school sensory garden that would support both structured learning and free exploration.
The project budget allowed for a wide range of sensory play equipment for schools, including:
- Raised planters to support sustainable outdoor learning and planting activities.
- Musical instruments to encourage creative and interactive play.
- Curriculum-linked interactive sound panels for sensory learning.
- Tactile and mirrored panels to enhance sensory stimulation.
The overall goal was to design a space that would promote movement, exploration and engagement across all areas of the garden.
Sensory Garden Layout and Outdoor Learning Design
Following a full site visit, we assessed the available grassed area, existing access points, and power requirements to ensure a safe and effective sensory garden design for schools. Our design approach focused on creating a balanced and immersive layout that encouraged pupils to move freely through the space.
Key elements included:
- Strategic placement of equipment to maximise use of the full outdoor area.
- A dedicated wooded zone featuring the soundboard to support storytelling and sensory learning activities.
- Distribution of musical instruments, tactile panels, and mirrored features throughout the garden.
- Inclusion of popular sensory products such as the rain wheel and bongos set for enhanced engagement.
The raised planters were positioned in optimal sunlight to support planting growth and long-term educational use. Manufactured from pressure-treated timber, they are designed for durability and come with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee, making them ideal for long-term school outdoor installations.
Delivery & Installation of Sensory Equipment
Prior to installation, our lead engineer carried out a detailed site survey to confirm electrical access points and coordinate with the school’s premises team. This ensured a smooth and efficient sensory equipment installation process.
To minimise disruption to the school environment:
- Installation was carried out within agreed timeframes and outside of peak school hours where possible.
- All product locations were pre-approved with the school to ensure accuracy on site.
- The installation was completed efficiently within one week.
Where groundworks were required, such as securing equipment with concrete bases, our engineers ensured all areas were carefully reinstated, leaving a clean and professional finish across the entire school sensory garden installation.
Training Process - Sensory Equipment Handover & Staff Training
Once installation was complete, we carried out a full handover with the school to ensure they could confidently operate and maintain the new system.
This included:
- A complete walkthrough of the outdoor sensory learning environment
- Demonstrations of each sensory feature and its educational use.
- Training on how to update and manage the soundboard via USB.
- Guidance on general maintenance to ensure long-term performance and durability.
This step ensures schools can maximise the value of their sensory playground equipment investment.
The Final Result - Fully Installed School Sensory Garden
The completed sensory garden at Leycroft Academy has transformed an underused outdoor space into a fully interactive and engaging SEN outdoor learning environment.
The final installation provides a colourful, inclusive, and stimulating setting that encourages pupils to explore, learn, and interact through sensory play. Careful planning and high-quality installation ensured the space was left tidy, reinstated, and fully ready for use.
This project is another strong example of our expertise in delivering bespoke sensory garden installations for schools, combining durability, educational value and engaging design to support long-term learning outcomes.
Want to Create a School Sensory Garden?
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into an engaging school sensory garden or outdoor learning environment, our team can help design and install a tailored solution to suit your needs and budget. Get in touch today to discuss your project and see how we can bring sensory learning to life in your school.
