Valley Projects was approached to design and build a revitalised Early Years Area (EYA) at Highfields School in South Farnham. The existing space was outdated, uninspiring and poorly suited to the developmental needs of reception-aged children. The school’s teaching staff had a clear vision for a dynamic and engaging outdoor learning environment and had outlined their aspirations in a Vision Board. Our task was to transform this space into an area that would support active learning, imaginative play, physical development, and social interaction.

Understanding the Needs

The school had a comprehensive list of requirements to align the EYA with modern early years education principles. The key priorities included:

Creating a stimulating environment for playing and exploring
Supporting cognitive, physical and social development through structured and open-ended play
Encouraging risk-taking and resilience-building with climbing and movement-based features
Introducing diverse surfaces for safety and sensory engagement
Enhancing literacy, numeracy and problem-solving opportunities through interactive features
Incorporating natural elements to support learning about the environment and change

The Design Process

Following an in-depth consultation with the school, Valley Projects developed an initial 2D design to map out the space and ensure all required features were incorporated. This was followed by a full 3D concept rendering, allowing staff to visualise the transformation before work commenced. This approach ensured the final design met the needs of both students and teachers, balancing aesthetics, functionality and budget considerations.

Key Features Implemented

To bring the vision to life, the project included:

A sand pit with a protective tarpaulin cover for safe and hygienic play
A tensile fabric shade to offer shelter from rain and sun
A water wall to encourage imaginative play and exploration of water movement
A climbing traverse wall to build strength, coordination and balance
A bug hotel to support nature-based learning and observation
A large chalkboard wall for children to develop reading, writing and numeracy skills

Surfacing and Drainage Upgrades

A crucial part of the project involved resurfacing the entire EYA and an adjacent playground to improve safety and usability. Three different surface types were introduced: tarmac, rubber wetpour and artificial grass, each chosen for its suitability to different activities. The project also addressed drainage issues by installing new surface water drainage and adjusting levels to ensure a safe and sustainable outdoor environment. A new roadway marked in durable thermoplastic was a great addition to the new tarmac surface.

Extending the Project Scope

As part of the renovation, Valley Projects also installed the foundations for and oversaw the installation of new tensile fabric canopies along the entire side of the school buildings, providing additional sheltered areas for outdoor learning and play.

A Lasting Impact

The transformation of Highfields School’s EYA has created a vibrant, inclusive and engaging space that enriches children’s learning experiences. By integrating elements that support early years development, Valley Projects has helped the school achieve its vision of an inspiring and functional outdoor environment for its youngest learners.