St Giles

In 2021, Matt Rooney, head teacher and board member of St Giles School in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire, approached Play Creations to enhance their aspirational school for pupils aged 3-18 with Education Health and Care Plans. The vision was to create two inclusive rooms: a soft play area and a fully interactive sensory/movement room, supporting the school’s “No DREAMS are out of reach” ethos. Our team conducted a site visit to align with Matt’s goal of providing accessible, engaging spaces that foster resilience and learning for students with diverse needs. Collaborating closely with Matt Rooney, Play Creations developed a tailored design brief for two specialized rooms, prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity. The soft play room featured a compact frame optimized for safety, while the sensory/movement room was designed with interactive lighting and bespoke framing for pupil assist lifts, ensuring wheelchair access with movable retaining blocks. Our detailed site survey addressed the school’s unique requirements, integrating features to support physical and sensory engagement, aligned with St Giles’ commitment to a positive learning environment. Completed in 2021, the soft play room featured a safe, accessible frame with soft play shapes and climbing elements, crafted from premium, UK-sourced materials. The sensory/movement room included interactive lights, a trampoline with bespoke framing for pupil assist lifts, and fully movable retaining blocks for wheelchair accessibility, creating a dynamic, inclusive space. Our expert team executed a precise installation, ensuring both rooms seamlessly integrated into St Giles School’s facilities, ready to support students’ developmental and sensory needs. Play Creations maintains a strong partnership with St Giles School, providing regular maintenance to ensure both rooms remain safe and functional. The soft play and sensory/movement rooms have become vital spaces, empowering students to engage, explore, and achieve their potential in a supportive environment. This project has reinforced St Giles’ reputation as “a positive place to learn,” aligning with their mission to make every student’s dreams attainable through inclusive, innovative facilities.