EDUCATION - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Creating inclusive, engaging environments is essential in supporting young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs.
At Prospect School, a strong commitment to student wellbeing and enrichment led to the development of a bespoke outdoor fitness space designed to encourage physical activity, build confidence and support emotional regulation. Working with Fresh Air Fitness, the school transformed its outdoor areas into dynamic spaces that cater to both group exercise and individual wellbeing, enhancing the overall student experience.
Prospect School supports children with social, emotional and behavioural challenges.
The school places strong emphasis on offering a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities to enrich the time students spend in education. These activities play an important role in supporting wellbeing, confidence and social interaction.
To expand these opportunities further, Prospect School wanted to introduce outdoor fitness equipment that would encourage regular physical activity while also supporting students who benefit from movement and time outdoors.
Fresh Air Fitness, as the UK’s leading outdoor gym specialist, was chosen to help scope, design and install an exciting new outdoor gym for use during PE lessons, breaktimes and after school clubs.
As a specialist secondary school, Prospect needed a solution that would support students with a variety of needs.
The school wanted to create an outdoor fitness space that could be used during structured PE lessons while also offering opportunities for individual exercise throughout the day.
Some students benefit from exercising together in a group setting, while others prefer quieter activities that allow them to regulate emotions and reset before returning to the classroom.
The equipment therefore needed to support both shared activity and independent use within the school grounds and be accessible and appropriate for all levels of ability.
Fresh Air Fitness designed and installed an 8-piece, 11-user outdoor gym across two areas. The first outdoor gym zone was in a linear formation, along the edge of the school field, allowing children to use the equipment together as part of PE lessons/ active time (into grass with grass mats).
The second zone included two pieces of outdoor gym equipment and was nestled between trees, providing a wonderfully relaxed environment. This area was ideal for children who wanted to exercise independently, allowing them 'time out’ and boosting their focus once back in the classroom.
“I would like to add how impressed we were with the two chaps who came to install our equipment.
“They were friendly, amenable and respectful.” - Dr Michèle Aldridge, Headteacher
This installation created an inclusive and flexible outdoor fitness space that supports both structured PE sessions and independent activity throughout the school day.
The success of the project has already led to the school placing a further order for additional equipment, demonstrating the positive impact the outdoor gym is having on students.
By introducing thoughtfully designed outdoor fitness equipment, Prospect School has created an environment that supports movement, wellbeing and engagement, helping students benefit from both physical activity and time outdoors.
At Fresh Air Fitness, we have installed over 4500 outdoor gyms nationwide.
Our gyms can be found in local parks, green spaces, next to community centres, along trim trails and beside children’s playgrounds.
For more examples of exciting Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym installations visit: SEND Schools
To download our free brochure click here. You can also speak to one of our expert team on 01483 608 860
