Article published on 1 November 2024

Age-appropriate Play has landed at RAF Shawbury Nursery! The image shows a red archway with perspex glass, a big red ladybird created using wetpour as well as our Baby Diabolo multiplay unit in the background.
Age-appropriate Play has landed at RAF Shawbury Nursery!

Transforming the RAF Shawbury Nursery: A Play Area for Early Years’ Development

RAF Shawbury has a longstanding commitment to providing high-quality play areas to support personnel families. But until recently, the nursery facility lacked a truly engaging environment for young children’s development. Proludic was thrilled to step in and create a dynamic space tailored for early years’ learning and play. This new play area now enhances children’s daily experiences with both fun and educational benefits.

A Collaborative Effort for Nursery Success

To make this project a success, Proludic worked closely with the RAF Shawbury team. Together, they crafted a play space that brings vibrant colours, stimulating equipment, and key developmental benefits to the nursery. The new outdoor area connects directly to the nursery, allowing children easy access between their classroom and play space. This connection makes outdoor exploration a seamless part of the children’s daily routine.

An image of the sensory play equipment neatly placed within the corner of the Nursery at RAF Shawbury.
A variety of educational and sensory equipment to stimulate early development.
The archway and bridge at the RAF Shawbury Nursery.
The play space now stands out with its vibrant colours and surfacing designs.

Designed for Early Years Development

The play area is thoughtfully zoned to support different areas of development:

  • Social and Intellectual Growth: A special storytelling area with a carved wooden chair and mushroom seating invites children to dive into imaginative play. Here, they can practice their communication skills while engaging in storytelling activities.
  • Physical and Sensory Play: The Baby Diabolo (J38709) unit supports up to 12 toddlers and offers 21 play functions. This structure helps children develop movement, balance, and sensory awareness.
  • Creative Exploration: Colourful arches, bridges, and animal structures inspire creativity and exploration. The play surface, with its bright colours, helps define these zones. A nearby “road” invites children to use ride-on toys, adding an extra layer of fun.
  • Musical and Sensory Engagement: Music-generating features, such as bongo drums, xylophones, and sensory flowers (J3418), enrich the sensory experience. These elements stimulate curiosity and engage the children’s developing senses.
Small mushroom chairs and a story telling throne at the RAF Shawbury Nursery.
Wooden throne and colourful mushrooms offer a place to sit, relax and share stories with youngsters.

Safety and Quality as Top Priorities

Proludic chose durable, age-appropriate equipment to meet the nursery’s developmental needs. Safety was at the forefront of the design, ensuring that all children can enjoy the play space comfortably.

Positive Feedback from the Nursery Community

This project, funded by the RAF station grant process, has been warmly received. Staff, parents, and—most importantly—the children have shown enthusiastic support. The new play area reinforces RAF Shawbury’s dedication to family support and early childhood development.

Recent

Ladies That Lunge: How Abbey Park’s New Outdoor Gym Sparked a Community Fitness Movement

Article published on 13 February 2026

Abbey Park in West Bridgford is proving that outdoor fitness is about far more than equipment. It is about confidence, connection and community. Embracing community fitness in the fresh air After Rushcliffe Borough Council invested in a new outdoor gym, local resident Ruth Kerry was eager to try it out. While she loved the idea...

Bespoke Otter-Themed Destination Playground

Article published on 12 February 2026

From plan to play, Proludic successfully delivered a landmark 10-site playground transformation programme in partnership with East Devon District Council during 2025, secured through a competitive tender process. Land of Canaan Play Area in Ottery St Mary is one of the standout bespoke playground sites within this delivery, bringing a distinctive identity to the town...