Outdoor play isn’t just an extension of indoor learning - it’s a vital environment for exploration, problem-solving, movement and imagination. With the right approach, every setting can turn even the smallest outdoor area into a purposeful, inspiring space.
At Chequered Fox, free space-planning services help you understand what’s possible, using expert site surveys and professional CAD layouts to build outdoor environments that maximise learning opportunities. This article (Part 1 of our two-part series) walks through how the transformation process begins, and highlights some of our most popular Millhouse Outdoor products.
Start with a professional site survey - we do the hard work for you
Before any design work begins, Chequered Fox carries out a free, no-obligation site survey.
This can be done:
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In person
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Via photos or video walk-through
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Using measurements you provide (if a visit isn’t possible)
During the survey, we look at:
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Space measurements
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Access points and pathways
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Natural features (trees, shade, slopes, drainage)
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Existing resources
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Sight-lines for supervision
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Your priorities, challenges and wish-list
Using this information, a professional CAD plan showing how the space can be reimagined. You can provide a CAD drawing if you already have one - but it's absolutely not required before approaching us.
Create purposeful zones for learning
An effective outdoor space is organised into clear learning zones. These encourage children to explore, move, create and imagine - all within a safe, well-supervised layout.
Movement and active zone
Encourages balance, climbing, strength and safe risk-taking.
Ideal Millhouse items:
Messy play and discovery zone
Perfect for sensory learning, investigation and open-ended play.
Popular choices:
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Mud Kitchen / Outdoor Kitchen Range
Role-Play zone
Encourages social interaction, storytelling and dramatic play.
Examples:
Nature and calm zone
Great for reading, mindfulness, plant care and small-world play.
Millhouse suggestions:
Product highlights from the Millhouse Outdoor Range
Here are a few customer favourites we regularly specify:
- Millhouse Early Years Raised Den: a raised-platform den; ideal for quiet/nature zones, hide-outs, reading/cosy spots.
- Millhouse Early Years Water Wall: great for sensory and messy-play zones, encouraging water play and exploration outdoors.
- Millhouse Early Years Under 2s Crawl Thru Tunnel: a low-level crawl-through tunnel with soft internal surface and “peek-holes,” designed for children under two. Great for active play, exploring spatial awareness and encouraging physical coordination.
All products in the Millhouse range are UK-made, built for long-term outdoor use and compatible with each other to create a cohesive learning environment.
Designing for safety, durability and flexibility
We design layouts that:
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Maximise visibility
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Ensure safe fall zones around climbing equipment
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Manage transitions from indoors to outdoors
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Work year-round, including wet-weather considerations
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Allow flexibility for future additions
The result: a space that meets safety requirements and can evolve as your setting’s needs change.
What’s coming in part 2
In part 2 of this series, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our design process, including:
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What happens during your site survey
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How we build your CAD plan
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How to choose the right equipment for your space and budget
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Practical examples of layout options
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Phased development tips
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How Chequered Fox supports you from concept to installation