How to Create an Inclusive Playground That Works for Every Child (and Every Budget)

An inclusive playground isn’t just one with a ramp or a single accessible swing. It’s a carefully planned space where every child – including those with SEND, physical disabilities, sensory needs or “invisible” conditions – can play, socialise and feel welcome.

For schools, councils and housing developers, inclusive design is no longer a “nice to have”. It’s a requirement if you want your outdoor space to reflect your values, meet expectations around accessibility and deliver genuine long-term value.

In this guide, Morti Sport & Play walks through the key steps to creating an inclusive playground that works in the real world – not just on paper.

1. Start With Your Users, Not the Catalogue

Before you look at equipment, start with people:

• Who will be using the space?
• What SEND or accessibility needs exist?
• What barriers currently limit play?

You can explore some examples of accessibility-led play design within our
➡️ Inclusive Play Solutions service page.

2. Get Access and Layout Right First

If children can’t reach the equipment safely and comfortably, it’s not truly inclusive.

Think About:

• Access routes – step-free, wide, and well-drained
• Surfacing – smooth, impact-absorbing, mobility-friendly
• Entrances & boundaries – safe, logical and secure

For surfacing options suitable for inclusive play, see:
➡️ Playground Safety Surfacing

3. Zone the Playground for Different Types of Play

Zoning helps create structure and supports different needs. Good projects include:

• Active play areas
• Social / inclusive play zones
• Sensory and quiet spaces
• Open movement areas

You can view suitable structures and layouts within our
➡️ Playground Design & Installation service.

4. Choose Equipment That Offers Multiple Ways to Play

Inclusive playgrounds provide choice, not restriction.

Swings

• Basket / birds nest swings →
  ➡️ View Swings Collection
• Wheelchair platform / gondola swings →
  ➡️ Wheelchair-Accessible Gondola Swing

Climbing & Balancing

• Low climbing nets, decks and bridges
• Easily accessed timber or steel structures →
  ➡️ Climbing Frames & Activity Structures

Ground-Level Play

Perfect for children with limited mobility or sensory needs.
Explore accessible equipment in our
➡️ Disability & Inclusive Equipment Collection

5. Design for Sensory Needs (Not Just Physical Access)

To support children with autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences, consider:

• Quiet breakout areas
• Soft landscaping, planting and natural textures
• Muted spaces away from busy activity zones
• Tactile features like musical elements or play panels

Sensory zones can be integrated into almost any site, even with limited space.

6. Plan for Adults, Carers and Staff Too

A truly inclusive playground supports the adults supervising it:

• Clear sightlines
• Comfortable seating
• Accessible pathways
• Logical flow between zones

This reduces stress during busy periods and improves overall supervision.

7. Think Beyond Day One: Safety, Standards & Maintenance

The most effective inclusive playgrounds are built for longevity.

Morti uses:

• Structural timber with steel reinforcement
• Galvanised & powder-coated steel
• Stainless steel fixings
• Anti-slip platforms
• High-quality wetpour & bonded rubber surfacing
  ➡️ Read more about Surfacing Options

Our equipment is fully EN1176 compliant, installed by experienced professionals, with correct fall-zones and impact surfacing.

8. Involve the Community – and Celebrate the Outcome

Workshops, surveys and student feedback sessions create a sense of ownership and produce better results.

Whether you’re a school, council or developer, we can support you through user engagement and concept development as part of our
➡️ Playground Design & Installation Service.

How Morti Sport & Play Can Help

We specialise in inclusive, real-world playground solutions that meet the needs of SEND users, mobility requirements and community expectations.

We provide:

• Site surveys
• Bespoke design & 3D visuals
• SEN-friendly equipment selection
• Safety surfacing & groundworks
• Full installation
• Reliable communication
• Value-focused long-term solutions

Explore inclusive equipment first-hand:
➡️ Inclusive & Disability Playground Equipment

Ready to Create an Inclusive Playground That Works for Everyone?

Book a free consultation or request a quote today:
👉 https://www.mortisportandplay.co.uk/contact

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