Playground Markings for Transforming Time Outdoors at Willoughby A Priory Academy

Playground markings aren’t just about brightening up outdoor spaces. They’re also a fantastic way to create environments that help children learn, interact, and thrive. When we were approached by Willoughby A Priory Academy in Bourne in Lincolnshire, a school that supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we knew this was a project where we could make a meaningful difference.

About Our Client and Their Very Special Request

Willoughby A Priory Academy is a specialist SEND school dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment for pupils with a wide range of additional needs. These needs specifically fall within the areas of:

• Sensory or physical impairment
• Communication and interaction
• Cognition and learning

The school reached out to us for help creating bespoke playground markings that would be more accessible for their pupils.

With all their pupils requiring additional support, the school needed markings that would help children engage with their outdoor space in a way that was both fun and educational. Traditional markings like hopscotch or word-based games wouldn’t be suitable for the Academy’s students. Instead, the markings had to be carefully adapted to meet the needs of their SEND learners.

What Did We Provide for Them?

Our team worked closely with Willoughby A Priory Academy to create a range of Widgit-based markings.

Widgits are visual symbols that help children who may struggle with reading to better understand instructions, activities, and social expectations. They can also help students to explore their own feelings and learn to recognise them in others.

Beyond this, they can be designed with simple instructions for exercises, helping students engage, keep fit, and learn all at the same time. Here is how it looked before and after we were done:

But these playground markings weren’t the only new addition to the Academy playground. We also installed a Wheelchair-Friendly Track, a bespoke version of our Roadway design, to give students enough space to spin and navigate in their own way. This encourages inclusion and ensures every child can take part in playground activities.

The Biggest and Best Markings

At the school entrance, the largest marking we installed consisted of three Widgit symbols accompanied by the words “Be Safe, Be Ready, Be Kind”. This bold and welcoming display reinforces key school values in a way that pupils can easily interpret.

Here you can see what the school entryway looked like before and after the work was done:

What Did the Staff Have to Say?

Vicki Billyard, Headteacher at the Academy, wanted to say this:

“I just wanted to thank you and the whole of your team for providing Willoughby with the most amazing playground markings. They have transformed our playground and enhanced the pupils’ playtime experiences. Pupils are already enthusiastically interacting with them and they are encouraging turn-taking, sharing, and teamwork – it is wonderful to see. On behalf of everyone at Willoughby, I cannot thank you enough.”

Meanwhile, Nadine Johnson, the teacher who originally got in touch with us to ask about this project, had this to say:

“I went into school yesterday and I am blown away by the work your team has put in. Our children are going to enjoy the designs so much, sensory stimulation in and out of the classroom.  The playground is now fully accessible to all our learners. The wheelchair track is just delightful. I cannot wait to see their faces!”

“Truly, thank you again.”

Why We Loved This Project

We loved the opportunity to give something back to a school that makes such a difference in the lives of its pupils.

This project was completed free of charge, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting schools and communities in need. Seeing the impact the markings have already had on the children – encouraging learning and growth for everyone – has been incredibly rewarding.

Let’s Work Together on Playground Markings

At Designs & Lines, we’re passionate about creating playground markings that make a real difference in children’s lives. Whether it’s adapting designs to suit SEND pupils or crafting bespoke markings that bring a school’s vision to life, we always go the extra mile to ensure every project is a success.

If your school is looking to enhance its outdoor spaces with fun, inclusive, and long-lasting playground markings, get in touch with us today. We’d love to help create a space that inspires children to play, learn, and grow.