How to Encourage Outdoor Role Play for EYFS Pupils
Outdoor role play for EYFS is a vital part of development, offering children the freedom to explore, imagine, and express themselves in ways that indoor settings may not always allow. Whether it’s turning a mud kitchen into a bustling bakery or transforming a playground into a magical theatre, imaginative outdoor play helps EYFS pupils develop social, emotional, and communication skills – all while having fun. At Everyday Play, we’re passionate about creating outdoor environments that inspire creativity. Through carefully chosen features like our Storytelling Chair, play panels, and performance spaces, schools and nurseries can build settings that encourage meaningful role play. Why Outdoor Role Play Matters in EYFS The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework highlights the importance of play-based learning. Outdoor role play, in particular, supports: Language development – as children narrate their play, take on characters, and interact with peers. Personal, social and emotional growth – through collaborative play and negotiation. Imagination and creativity – by allowing children to explore different scenarios, emotions, and solutions. Physical development – through movement, coordination, and active engagement with the outdoor space. Creating an Inspiring Outdoor Role Play Area Here are a few ways to encourage rich, imaginative play outdoors: 1. Add a Storytelling Centrepiece Our Storytelling Chair is a wonderful focal point for any EYFS outdoor space. Made from high-quality, durable wood, it provides a warm, welcoming place for group story sessions or solo reflection. Children love using it for re-enacting tales, creating their own characters, or simply listening as a teacher reads aloud. At Allington Primary School, our Storytelling Chair has become a cherished feature of the playground – sparking daily storytelling sessions and imaginative play among pupils. 2. Incorporate Multi-Sensory Play Panels We supply a range of Abacus play panels, chalkboards, music panels, and more, all of which stimulate the senses and encourage expressive play. These interactive elements are ideal for younger children who benefit from tactile, visual, and auditory experiences. Music Panels invite children to explore sound and rhythm, often forming part of impromptu performances or storytelling sessions. Chalkboards encourage mark-making, which supports early writing and drawing as children express story ideas or set up their imaginary shops and cafés. 3. Embrace Messy Play with a Mud Kitchen No outdoor role play area is complete without a Mud Kitchen. EYFS pupils naturally gravitate towards this hands-on resource, whipping up mud pies, soups, and potions. It promotes teamwork, language development, and fine motor skills – all while they’re fully immersed in imaginative scenarios. 4. Create Performance Spaces Encourage dramatic play by adding a Star Stage or our outdoor Theatre. These purposeful play zones are fantastic for helping children express themselves through acting, singing, and storytelling. Whether they’re putting on a play or role-playing everyday scenes, children build confidence and communication skills in the process. Tips for Supporting Outdoor Role Play Rotate props and themes: Introduce seasonal items or themed resources to keep role play fresh and engaging. Follow children’s interests: Observe their play and offer props or spaces that reflect their favourite stories, TV characters, or real-world experiences. Get involved: Sometimes a teacher joining in can inspire a whole new storyline or encourage quieter children to engage. Make it inclusive: Ensure your space and resources are accessible to all children, including those with physical or sensory needs. Check out our SEND Playground Info here. Let’s Spark Imaginations Together At Everyday Play, we specialise in designing outdoor environments that bring EYFS learning to life. From storytelling corners to interactive play panels, we offer a range of products that support imaginative outdoor play across Kent and beyond. Explore our full range or get in touch to learn how we can help transform your outdoor space into a world of imagination.
Choosing the Right Safety Surface for Your Playground: A Guide for Safer Play
At Everyday Play, we know that safety is the foundation of great playground design. That’s why we place such strong emphasis on providing high-quality playground surfacing in Kent, London and the South East. The right surface not only helps to cushion falls and minimise injuries, but also supports the creation of inclusive, durable spaces where children of all abilities can play, explore, and thrive. With a variety of surfacing options available, choosing the most suitable solution for your playground or outdoor learning area can feel overwhelming – but we’re here to help you make the right choice. Artificial Grass Play Carpet Conipave Wetpour Rubber Mulch Rubber Matting Bark Which Playground Surfacing Is Right for You? Selecting the right playground surfacing in Kent depends on several key considerations – from the type of play equipment and age of the children using the space, to your available budget, maintenance expectations, and overall visual style. At Everyday Play, we supply and install a wide range of professional safety surfacing options, tailored to meet the needs of diverse playground environments across Kent and beyond. Our Leading Safety Surfacing Options 1. Artificial Grass Offering a soft, realistic look and feel, artificial grass is a popular low-maintenance choice. It remains green all year round and provides excellent impact absorption, making it ideal for areas where you want both durability and natural aesthetics. 2. Play Carpet Bright, colourful, and engaging, play carpet is a cushioned surface that encourages creativity and safe play. It’s perfect for younger children, offering a soft area for crawling or sitting, and can be customised to suit themed or educational designs. 3. Conipave – Ideal for Pathways Conipave is a robust, porous rubber surface that’s perfect for walkways, paths, and low-impact play zones. Its slip-resistant properties make it safe for all-weather use, and it supports inclusive access throughout your playground. 4. Wetpour Wetpour is a versatile, poured rubber surface that can be installed at various thicknesses to meet Critical Fall Height (CFH) requirements. Available in a wide palette of colours, it’s a great option for creative designs while offering reliable fall protection. 5. Natural Bark A traditional and eco-conscious option, bark provides good impact absorption and a natural finish. While it’s an affordable surface, it does require regular replenishment to remain effective and tidy. 6. Bonded Rubber Mulch If you love the look of bark but want something more durable, bonded rubber mulch is an excellent alternative. Made from recycled rubber and bonded for stability, it’s a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface that stays in place and cushions falls effectively. 7. Safagrass Safety Matting Safagrass matting allows natural grass to grow through while offering the benefits of a safety surface. It’s soft, slip-resistant, and helps maintain a green, natural look without compromising on safety. Choosing the Best Playground Surfacing in Kent When deciding on the right playground surfacing in Kent, consider the following: Play Equipment Height: The taller the equipment, the greater the fall height – and the more impact protection your surfacing must provide. Always check the Critical Fall Height (CFH) ratings to ensure safety compliance. Maintenance Needs: Some options, like bark, need regular attention, while others such as artificial grass and bonded rubber mulch are far more low maintenance. Accessibility: Make sure your surface supports wheelchair users and complies with inclusive access standards. Wetpour is an excellent all-round choice for safety and accessibility. Visual Appeal & Comfort: Think about how the surfacing complements the design of your play area. Surfaces like wetpour and play carpet can be laid in various colours to create playful patterns, themes, or educational graphics. At Everyday Play, we’re committed to helping schools, councils, and community organisations find the best playground surfacing in Kent to suit their space, safety standards, and budget. Get in touch with our team today for expert advice and tailored solutions – from sports court resurfacing to playground safety surfacing installations.
Transforming Outdoor Play: Real Examples of Playground Surfacing in Kent Schools & Nurseries
When it comes to creating safe, fun, and long-lasting play spaces, the right playground surfacing makes all the difference. At Everyday Play, we’ve helped transform outdoor areas for schools and nurseries across Kent and the South East – using a range of surfacing solutions tailored to each setting’s unique needs. From soft, durable wetpour to natural-looking grass matting and versatile artificial grass, our projects show how smart surfacing choices can completely refresh and revitalise a playground. Here’s a look at some real examples of our work, and how each surfacing type can support active, imaginative play. Grass Matting: Blending Safety with a Natural Look Some schools want to keep a natural grass feel – without sacrificing safety. That’s where grass matting is ideal. It protects children from falls while allowing real grass to grow through, maintaining a green, natural appearance. Example: Downsell Primary SchoolWe installed grass matting at Downsell Primary to keep the natural grass feel. It’s a cost-effective, low-maintenance option – perfect for schools that want a more subtle surfacing solution that’s still compliant with safety standards. Artificial Grass: Clean, All-Year Outdoor Play Artificial grass is one of the most popular choices for nurseries and primary schools. It’s clean, mud-free, and usable all year round – ideal for younger children. Example: Snodland Primary School At Snodland, we replaced worn-out surfaces with fresh artificial grass to create a safer, more inviting play space. It looks great and withstands heavy daily use, giving staff peace of mind and children a consistent place to play, whatever the weather. Wetpour: Colourful, Creative & Cushioned If you’re looking for a bright, safe, and long-lasting option, wetpour rubber surfacing is a top choice. It’s ideal for EYFS areas and playgrounds where impact protection is key — and it allows for fun colours, shapes, and designs. Example: Little Pumpkins NurseryWe installed soft, colourful wetpour at Little Pumpkins Nursery to create an engaging, cushioned surface for toddlers. It’s perfect for early years settings where both safety and stimulation matter. MUGA & Sports Court Resurfacing: Built for Movement For older pupils and sports-focused spaces, MUGA surfacing (Multi-Use Games Area) or rubber sports coatings provide durability and performance. It supports everything from football to basketball to general PE use. Example: Sports Court ProjectWe revitalised a tired sports area with new surfacing that’s built to last — helping schools make the most of their outdoor space for active learning and recreation. Trusted Playground Surfacing Experts in Kent We’ve worked with dozens of schools, nurseries, and public attractions across Kent, London, and the South East, designing and installing play surfacing that’s safe, attractive, and built for daily use. Check our our case studies page to see some! At Everyday Play, we handle everything from design to installation – so whether you’re planning a full playground refurbishment or a small surface upgrade, our team can help guide the process. Get a Free Quote for Playground Surfacing in Kent Ready to refresh your school, nursery, or outdoor play area? Let’s talk. 📞 Call us on 01622 688343 or 📧 Email us at info@everyday-play.co.uk today for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll help you find the perfect surfacing solution to bring your outdoor space to life.
Innovative School Gazebos That Will Bring Outdoor Learning To Life
Come rain or shine, nothing can get in the way of outdoor learning and play thanks to our fantastic School Gazebos from Everyday Play! Crafted from sustainably sourced, beautiful natural redwood timber, our School Gazebos provide a stunning shelter for playtimes and the perfect setting for an outdoor classroom to teach your pupils in the fresh air. We offer a wide range of outdoor gazebo designs suitable for EYFS, KS1, and KS2, which can be custom built to the size that best suits your space and requirements. Bring a sense of adventure and excitement to your lessons with this brilliant outdoor classroom option. Why Choose Everyday Play’s Gazebos For Your Outdoor Classroom? With inviting entrances, steps or ramps for inclusive access, fully waterproof roofing, cladding, and window options tailored to your specific needs, we’re confident you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here! Outdoor learning is naturally creative and evolves with the seasons and surroundings. Because of this, we understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work when it comes to building the ideal gazebo for your school. If your playground needs something a little different, don’t worry! Our aim is to help bring outdoor learning at your school to life. We offer bespoke gazebo design solutions to ensure you get exactly what you need. We can incorporate a selection of fixed or flexible internal benches, seating styles, workstations, mark-making boards for learning, and even built-in living planters to personalise your gazebo -allowing you to create a thriving outdoor play and learning space for your pupils. Everyday Play’s team of expert craftsmen and consultants will work closely with you to bring your outdoor space to life. No matter the idea, the team will work tirelessly to create a design that you are 100% happy with. We don’t just want to build outdoor classrooms; we want to build long-lasting relationships. Our experienced installers will build your school gazebo on site to perfectly suit your outdoor environment – whether that’s on the school playground, out on the field, or tucked away in a woodland area for magical, memorable learning experiences. Let’s Bring Your Gazebo Ideas To Life! No matter the weather or how energetic your pupils may be, Everyday Play’s outdoor classroom gazebos are durable and built to last for years to come. With an industry-leading 25-year guarantee, you can be sure your gazebo will stand the test of time. Our gazebos have been installed at lots of EYFS, KS1, and KS2 settings across the UK. Take a look at our glowing 5-star reviews and testimonials to see the difference our playground gazebos have made. Explore some of our fabulous gazebos installed in playgrounds across the UK. Join the Everyday Play family today and experience the quality service that thousands of clients have enjoyed. Or contact our friendly team now to see how we can help you find the perfect gazebo for your school.
