Playground markings do more than just brighten up a playground as decoration. With the right designs, a plain outdoor space can turn into an exciting playground for children.
Hopscotch, race tracks, football pitches – these markings help spark imagination for children and keep them active.
With safety features included (such as anti-slip materials) to lower the risk of falls and trips, it’s easy to see why so many schools are using playground markings to get more out of their break time.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at how the right markings can make a real difference for children. We’ll also cover how the installation process works – from an initial idea to a finished project.
How do playground markings help children?
Improved communication
Schools play a big part in helping children learn how to properly communicate.
Children on the playground are often coming up with games, figuring out the rules of those games, making sure they know whose turn it is, and learning how to express themselves.
It’s through these moments that children start to understand what good communication looks like.
Promoting inclusivity
Playgrounds are one of the few school places where kids from all walks of life come together. Playground markings can help break down barriers for kids, whether social, cultural or academic.
It might sound idealistic, but when children play in spaces that include everyone, they start to see the value in each other’s differences.
They’ll recognise each other’s strengths and understand new perspectives.
Giving them the opportunity with simple playground markings is a small but meaningful way to help build a more open and accepting environment.
Custom playground markings tailored for your school
School playgrounds are all quite similar – but not the same. Custom markings make a huge difference in getting kids to become more active. By tailoring designs, you help bring your playground to life in the right way for your students.
If you already have ideas, we can help shame them into something practical and playful.
Our designers will help your school create a layout that works for your space. We’ll blend bright colour and interactive and educational learning elements.
We’ll only go ahead once you’re 100% happy with the plan.
Custom designs are especially useful if you want to:
- Reflect your school’s values and colours
- Support KS1 and KS2 learning
- Encourage inclusive play for children of all ages, at any ability
- Make better use of your playground area
How playground markings are installed
Bringing a playground to life with new markings is an exciting project. We make sure that your input is taken into account. Our professionals will make sure that everything comes together and works for your school.
The initial ideas
The initial idea comes from a conversation. You might have some ideas already that we can help bounce off. During this initial meeting, we’ll talk through your space, what your aim is, and suggest some ideas that we believe will work for your space.
At this stage, we’re looking and thinking about how to make every part of your playground more engaging for your pupils.
Designing something that fits your space
After the initial conversation, that’s when we’ll look to start putting something together.
Using your input, we can build something that makes the most of your space – mixing bold lines, pre-cut thermoplastic, colourful grids.
Everything is scaled and spaced properly, with your pupils’ age and play needs in mind. Before anything is installed, we’ll share the design to make sure you’re happy and ready to finalise.
The installation process
Once you’re happy with the design, that’s when the installation process begins.
We’re flexible and we work around your schedule. To avoid disrupting school days, we can work during weekends and school holidays.
We’ll first make sure that we prep the playground ready for us to put the markings down. Cleaning and making sure that nothing will disrupt the marking process.
The team then begins to work.
Applying everything with precision and care, as some elements are directly painted on, whereas others are heated and bonded firmly to the ground.
These materials are designed to be durable as well as anti-slip, so they’re ideal for all weather conditions.
Once the team have finished, the space can be used pretty much straight away.
How Margaret McMillan Primary transformed its playground
The Margaret McMillan Primary School in Bradford had a vision to turn their playground into a vibrant space with the opportunity to play and learn.
They had lots of brilliant ideas – even sketches- and they needed a team who could help bring them to life. That’s where Riggots came in.
From the very beginning, the aim was collaboration. The school explained to the team how they wanted different playgrounds to work, mixing games, learning tools, and spaces dedicated to sports.
We listened and took those ideas and turned them into a full layout with safety features and full colour. Every detail was planned to match the vision they already had.
You can have a full read of our case study on transforming Margaret McMillan Primary School’s playground here
