Tonge Moor Academy

Tonge Moor Case Study

The Brief:

After the successful redevelopment of Tonge Moor Primary Academy’s nursery outdoor play area, Eden Play was invited to transform their Reception outdoor space. The goal was to create a seamless extension of the nursery design, ensuring continuity for the children while introducing new opportunities for growth and development.

The project required resurfacing with artificial grass and the inclusion of a bike track to promote physical activity and coordination. Additionally, the school sought a durable, practical replacement for their existing shelter, which had become unsuitable for the area’s needs.

Our approach:

Building on the successful transformation of Tonge Moor’s nursery outdoor play area, we worked closely with the teaching team to ensure the Reception space was both a natural extension and a step forward to challenge their progressing pupils.

The design needed to maintain a sense of familiarity for the children, while offering new challenges and developmental opportunities appropriate for their age. We created distinct learning and play zones, each aligned with key areas of the Early Years curriculum, fostering both physical and cognitive development.

The layout maximised the available space, balancing active play, creative exploration, and sensory engagement. Key features, like a more advanced bike track and flexible areas for imaginative play, were designed to encourage coordination, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Throughout the project, our focus remained on providing a practical, durable, and engaging environment that would support the children’s growth and development.

Before

After

What we delivered:

The completed Reception outdoor area at Tonge Moor Primary School was designed to offer a diverse range of learning and play opportunities, organised into purposeful zones that support all areas of the EYFS curriculum.

We began by resurfacing the entire space with artificial grass and installing a new shelter complete with roller shutters, creating a safe, durable, and low-maintenance foundation. The physical challenge area became a key focus, featuring a bespoke bike track made from wet-pour surfacing, designed with a higher level of difficulty than the nursery’s track to encourage progression in balance, coordination, and confidence. This zone also included Activity Blocks, a Traversing Wall, Self-creation Balance Beams, and a Mini Mound and Tunnel, providing varied physical challenges.

For creativity and exploration, the mark-making zone included our Mark Making Board with Sensory Panels, encouraging children to express ideas and develop fine motor skills.

The open-ended area featured a Construction Station, Work Bench, and Construction Counter, placing strong emphasis on imaginative play, problem-solving, and teamwork through hands-on building activities.

The role play area incorporated a bespoke stage with den-making posts and a Role Play Shop, providing endless opportunities for storytelling, social interaction, and confidence building.

Meanwhile, the texture and storage areas added rich sensory and imaginative elements, with a bespoke Mud Kitchen complete with a Belfast sink, planters, a Texture Table, and an Interactive Water Wall.

Together, these features create a stimulating, inclusive, and engaging outdoor learning environment where children can explore, create, and develop through play.

The Outcome:

The completed Reception outdoor area at Tonge Moor Primary Academy provides a vibrant, well-structured space that enhances every aspect of Early Years learning. Each zone offers clear opportunities for physical development, creative expression, and sensory exploration, allowing children to learn and play with purpose and enjoyment.

The Wetpour bike track has quickly become a standout feature, challenging pupils’ balance and coordination while encouraging active play and progression from the nursery stage.

The carefully designed layout ensures the new area connects seamlessly with the existing nursery space, maintaining familiarity while promoting growth and independence.

The transformation was proudly featured in The Bolton News, celebrating the school’s commitment to creating exceptional Early Years learning environments and recognising Eden Play’s role in delivering an inspiring, long-lasting outdoor space for young learners.

Investing in the future

"This summer’s upgrades reflect our commitment to creating environments where every child feels welcomed, inspired, and ready to thrive. Partnering with Eden Play… to reimagine our Reception areas at Tonge Moor and St. Bede is just one example of how we’re investing in the future - not just in facilities, but in the experiences that shape lifelong learning."

Jill Dring, Early Years Lead for The Quill C of E Trust

View more of our pictures from Tonge Moor below…