It is universally understood that outdoor play has huge benefits for both the mental and physical health of children. It is a fundamental part of childhood that helps set them up for happier and healthier adolescents and adulthoods. From the positive impacts on bone, muscle and lung health to academic attainment and giving children the tools to problem-solve, develop their interests, and explore their imagination; the impact of play in childhood is far-reaching and this is no different for children with SEN.
Let’s explore each benefit of outdoor play for children with SEN and recommended outdoor play equipment to use!
What is SEN?
Special Educational Needs (SEN) refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn at the same pace as their peers. This can include a wide range of physical, emotional, or cognitive conditions that require extra support in the education system.
Children with SEN may face additional difficulty with communication, understanding instructions, reading, writing, or social interactions. Some may have physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or dyslexia.
The goal of SEN support is to ensure that children with learning difficulties receive the necessary tools and assistance to thrive academically and socially. Inclusion is key, which also addresses encouragement and inclusion in outdoor play.
Types Of Play For Children With SEN
There are types of play that will be beneficial to every child and each of their needs or interests.
- Children with a hearing or visual impairment: Outdoor play can strengthen their other senses through play, which will in turn help them navigate and investigate the world around them.
- If a child has a mobility impairment: Play can often encourage the improvement of coordination and motor skills.
- For children who may struggle with socialising such as those on the autism spectrum: Play creates a space where they can interact with their peers, explore their interests, and find enjoyment in their environment.
- Children with ADHD: Being outdoors may find that they can positively utilise their energy whilst expressing their emotions and ideas.
Benefits of Outdoor Play For Children With SEN
Physical Development
Outdoor play can assist with increasing physical development by improving coordination and increasing motor skills. Running, jumping and throwing are all examples of movements that can help develop gross and fine motor skills and help children improve their balance and coordination.
Delayed physical development in children with SEN can be assisted by strengthening muscles and bones. Playing games or climbing are ways that can help achieve this. Playing alongside others or moving across a trail can help promote spatial awareness too.
Mental Health Development
Playing outdoors in the fresh air and natural spaces can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some children with SEN can often feel heightened emotions including frustration, anger and sadness – which they can help navigate easier in outdoor spaces.
Emotional Development
Outdoor play can help children with SEN develop emotionally too, as it can reduce stress, increase confidence and boost self-esteem. Being able to overcome equipment challenges such as balancing on a trail, completing monkey bars or climbing further can help children feel a sense of accomplishment. Learning new skills whilst having fun helps confidence.
Social Interaction
Outdoor play is a great way to increase social interaction with others. Children with SEN can get involved to navigate new situations with the help of their peers, learning to interact effectively and understand the needs of others.
Having a range of outdoor equipment is essential for inclusion, so all children can join in the fun.
Recommended SEN Playground Equipment
When designing a playground, you need to think about all the areas you want to include, ensuring they are inclusive and engaging.
Playground Markings
Fun and colourful playground markings can help children with SEN engage more, particularly those with a visual impairment. Not only can you include games such as hopscotch and snakes and ladders, but you can include educational markings to encourage outdoor learning. Making active trails can assist with physical development too.
Interactive Play Panels
Incorporating a range of outdoor activity panels on the wall in the playground is a space-saving solution to encourage inclusion. Not only do they help social interaction but can include different textures and sounds to improve motor skills and creativity.
Low Level Trampolines
Including playground trampolines can help children increase bone and muscle strength. Choosing a sunken, ground level option can be more accessible for children to access, rather than having to climb up ladders or jump to one at height. It also helps with safety measures being at floor level, so more assistance can be offered and are less likely to fall.
Climbing Frames & Trim Trails
Trim trails are also a great piece of equipment to include to help children with SEN improve their coordination, muscle strength and also increase social interaction. You can piece together a variety of combinations to make the trail challenging, fun and engaging for all.
Inclusive Swings
Designing your playground to have an inclusive swing will make the equipment more accessible for children. They have increased safety measures and are designed specifically for children who may have mobility problems, for example. The swing allows children to feel included with their peers.
Wheelchair Accessible Roundabouts
Including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, includes children with reduced mobility to be included in play. The roundabout has a large opening and is designed to accommodate a wheelchair within it safely alongside other seating, so everyone can sit together and enjoy the fun!
Utilising Sensory Play Equipment
Sensory play (activities that engage the senses) gives children the space to relax and regulate their emotions. From utilising equipment that produces sounds or creating environments where children can freely get messy, sensory play can often create a more stress-free way for children with SEN to remain stimulated and to communicate and engage with their peers and the people around them.
Sovereign’s range of sensory play items is designed to give children opportunities for free play and exploration. Here are some of our favourites:
Contact Sovereign For Specialist Playground Advice
Sovereign has vast experience with designing, supplying and installing playgrounds for schools and commercial areas. We work with you to create areas to suit your needs, space and budget. Want to find out more about how Sovereign can create the perfect outdoor area for you? Contact us online or 01702 804200 to find out!
