Little Extras

Creating Dedicated Spaces Within Your Playground

Playground games for kids don’t always have to be about movement. Sometimes, what a child wants and needs is connection, confidence and belonging. That is why many schools are choosing to section areas of their playground to support different needs. Our Friendship Rainbow, Buddy Stop, and Quiet Area Frog markings provide clear, positive visual cues that help children navigate social situations.

A Buddy Stop offers a simple solution for children who may be feeling lonely, signalling that they would welcome someone to play with. The Friendship Rainbow promotes kindness and inclusion, reinforcing your school values brightly and engagingly. Meanwhile, the Quiet Area Frog helps designate a calmer space within busy playground game markings, giving children the opportunity to reset when needed.

These additions sit seamlessly alongside traditional British playground games, helping you create a balanced environment where every child feels supported.

Supporting Emotional Awareness with “How Do You Feel?” Markings

Our How Do You Feel? playground marking goes one step further, encouraging children to identify and communicate their emotions. By providing a visual prompt featuring a range of feelings, this marking supports emotional literacy and pastoral care. It can be used informally during break times or as part of structured wellbeing sessions, helping staff open important conversations and making emotional check-ins accessible, visible and part of everyday school life.

Fun Playground Games and Creative Additions

Of course, not every playground marking needs a learning objective. Some are simply there to spark imagination and movement. Our Stepping Stones (200mm and 300mm), Duck Prints, Dino Prints and Footprints encourage active, creative exploration. They can lead children between areas, create impromptu challenges or simply inspire energetic play. They’re ideal no-equipment options that invite participation without strict rules.

Our Picture Frame marking is another favourite. It gives children a dedicated space to draw, pose or create artwork, encouraging creativity during playtime.

Add the Finishing Touches to Your Playground Games

If you’re investing in playground games for your primary school, the Little Extras are the perfect way to maximise impact and value. At Designs & Lines, we pride ourselves on five-star customer service from your first enquiry through to aftercare. We offer site surveys, often using drone technology, to help you visualise how your playground games will look before installation begins. Our products come with a four-year warranty, and we will match or beat any like-for-like quote.

With over 20 years of experience, flexible scheduling during break times or weekends, and free markings available based on spend, we go above and beyond to ensure you receive outstanding value. Explore our full range of playground markings and discover how the right Little Extras can make a lasting difference to your outside space. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your ideas – we’ll be delighted to help.

FAQs

Why should schools include Little Extras in their playground?

Small details can make a big difference. Little Extras help make playgrounds more colourful, engaging, and inclusive by creating opportunities for movement, conversation, imaginative play, and outdoor learning without requiring large amounts of space or equipment.

Many schools even use Little Extras to create themed zones, such as wellbeing areas, nature trails, imaginative play spaces, or outdoor classrooms. Combining complementary markings helps create a playground that’s engaging, easy to navigate, and enjoyable for all pupils.

How can wellbeing markings support pupils?

Markings such as How Do You Feel?, Friendship Rainbows, and Quiet Area graphics help schools encourage conversations about emotions, friendships, and wellbeing. They can be used during lessons, pastoral support, and everyday play to promote positive mental wellbeing in an age-appropriate way.

Can Little Extras support outdoor learning?

They can. Many of these markings can be incorporated into lessons and activities. Shapes, numbers, letters, and keyboards provide opportunities to reinforce classroom learning outdoors, while picture frames and themed graphics can inspire storytelling, observation, and creative thinking.

What is a Buddy Stop and how does it work? 

A Buddy Stop provides a designated place where children can go if they’re looking for someone to play with. It encourages inclusion, helps children build friendships, and gives staff an easy way to identify pupils who may need a little extra support during breaktimes.

Can Little Extras be added to an existing playground?

Absolutely! Little Extras are ideal for refreshing existing playgrounds or complementing larger playground markings. This is especially true as they’re smaller than many other markings and pieces of equipment, so can fit neatly between them. Whether you’ve already invested in sports courts, educational markings, or playground games, these additions help complete the space and introduce even more opportunities for learning and play.