Harberton Special School

Harberton Special School is an Additional Support Needs school for children aged 3 to 12. The school supports pupils with a wide range of needs and places a strong emphasis on creating environments that nurture social, emotional, and physical development. With a clear vision to enhance their outdoor provision, the Principal and Vice Principal set out to transform the school’s playground. Their efforts paid off when they successfully secured the necessary funding to bring the project to life. Former pupil and Oscar winner, James Martin also helped raise awareness of the school’s fundraising efforts, contributing to the successful support received through the Education Authority.

Drawing on experience from an existing playground, Harberton already knew what their children responded to best. Pupils particularly enjoyed push, pull and spin‑based school playground equipment, which helps with self‑regulation, a vital support for children with additional needs.

Through ongoing communication with the Vice Principal, KOMPAN was able to fully understand the individual needs of Harberton’s pupils.

The design centred on:

• Freestanding school playground equipment that supports specific sensory movements and boosts communication, confidence and self-expression.

• Layouts that allow children to focus on targeted movements for self‑regulation

• Play zones tailored to the school’s wide range of abilities and needs

The result was a series of outdoor spaces that are inclusive, stimulating and developmentally supportive. Both staff and children have responded extremely positively to the new playgrounds and has become a highly valued part of each day, helping pupils regulate their emotions, develop communication skills and return to class ready to learn.