Colman Infant School

Colman Infant School provides early education for children in EYFS and Key Stage 1. They envisioned transforming their disused central courtyard into a dynamic space where pupils could learn, play, and connect.

Working closely alongside the school, we developed a concept for a multi-functional courtyard made up of a series of zones. Fusing together into one cohesive but open-ended space that invites pupils to explore their capabilities, encourages them to challenge themselves and ignites their imagination. 

The school recently joined Unity Trust, and its strong focus on outdoor learning gave us a brilliant starting point. Georgia Guy and Binks were instrumental in shaping the project, working closely with our designers from the outset. Their knowledge of the children helped us adapt the design so that it suited the needs of the pupils who would use it every day, not just the site itself.

An invitation to the space

A new entrance archway welcomes children into the courtyard and marks the beginning and end of the school day. Built from robinia poles, it includes playful decorative details and more practically, two latched gates within the fence line, making for easy transition into and out of the space.

The old uneven surface that split the courtyard has been replaced with a new topography of mounds and poles, set in colourful safety surfacing. Children now wind their way through a physical maze on the route to wherever they are headed. New sleeper edging to the existing planting bed and a play mud kitchen sit alongside, adding further opportunities for hands-on, sensory play.

Outdoor learning and performance

Multi level decks and seating forms an informal classroom and performance area. Children can learn, relax or put on a show. 

The decks are deliberately arranged to create small nooks and spaces for down time, while the graded form allows for events with larger groups. Benches face the wall with adaptable classroom facilities, and a stage area provides a focal point for performances. The idea is that the space adapts to the needs of the moment, with the users deciding what it needs to be.

Challenging physical play

A wonky play tower creates a focal point for the courtyard and gives children a more traditional play structure to climb and explore. Its design takes inspiration from the Colmans clock tower, a unique feature of the site, while keeping the whimsical, rustic character of the rest of the scheme. A lookout window set with a clock face, a wonky ladder to the top deck, ropes bolted across robinia poles for informal climbing, trapeze rings and a tethered hammock swing seat all give children ways to challenge and test their abilities. 

Below the deck, a flexible space is ready for den making, and a role-play mini shop front adds another layer of imaginative play. An activity wall on the neighbouring elevation completes the zone, making use of a previously blank wall.

This is one of our favourite school projects to date. Seeing the children use the space so imaginatively has been a joy. A design like this goes beyond bespoke and is a direct result of properly considered thinking shaped by the school's needs.