Want to update the school playground but don’t have the funds for a complete overhaul? Not to worry. There are several ways you can revitalise a drab play area without breaking the bank – and here are our favourite four…

1. Divide the playground into separate zones

Whether you have a spacious playground for kids to ride around on trikes, bikes and scooters or only a small area, you need to make the most of the space available. After all, the last thing you want to happen is for them to bump into each other or to find themselves getting in the way of their peers’ imaginative games!

The good news is, there is a simple solution…

Split the yard into discrete activity zones with colourful marker cones, rows of planted shrubs or picket fencing. You could have one area for active play where children can unleash their energy and develop their social skills. Another for creative play – spurring their imaginations – and a quiet zone with wooden planters and trellises that allow children to be calm and appreciate their natural surroundings.

2. Add variety to your schoolyard

Even though your students might have their favourite activities and pieces of school playground equipment, there’s bound to be a time where they’ll get bored and want to play with new and exciting apparatus. With that said, it makes sense to introduce something different – something that your students haven’t had the opportunity to play with on the schoolyard before.

You might be thinking about replacing your playhouse with a new one – but if it’s still useable and in good condition, and space permits, why not invest in a mud kitchen or a new climbing frame with a slide? An alternative would be to introduce outdoor musical instruments or basketball hoops.

Just be sure to consider what your pupils want and need and what equipment could make a difference to their development.

3. Install thermoplastic line markings

Despite being inexpensive and easy to install, playground markings are sure to add colour to the school playground.

Thermoplastic markings offer hours of endless fun for all ages. And whether it be line markings for sports pitches, activity markings for outdoor games such as snakes and ladders or hopscotch, or roadways and play towns that can improve little one’s interpersonal skills, there is something to suit all ages and abilities.

4. Dedicate a spot to socialising and relaxation

As much as kids love to run around and get involved in role plays, the older they get, the more time they will want to spend relaxing and chatting with friends. It’s also worth noting that some pupils are more reserved and would rather sit back and watch before joining the rest of the class in games. And for those with anxiety and other needs, having a quiet area to sit can offer respite when they are feeling particularly stressed or worried.

Therefore, you want to make sure that your students have somewhere comfortable to sit. Luckily, it can be easily done with picnic tables and benches or mushroom seats. However, you might also consider having a pergola or canopy installed to ensure that your playground can be used all year round – come rain or shine.

These are just a few simple things you can do to update your playground. Always remember to ask the children what they would like and, for some of the most exciting yet affordable pieces of school playground equipment, visit Setter Play. They offer an array of bespoke solutions too and would love to hear your ideas!