EYFS Composite Decking Refurbishment – Ilsham School, Torquay – April 2026

During the Easter holidays of 2026, Rhino Play was invited back to LAPSW MAT to totally transform the enclosed and undulating Early Years Foundation Stage area at Ilsham Primary in Torquay, Devon. The brief was to turn an awkward, dark and sloping outdoor space into a bright, level and safe area where the youngest children can play, learn and explore safely.

The Brief from Ilsham Primary

The existing EYFS area presented several real challenges that had been holding the space back for some time. With limited level ground, poor light and an enclosed feel, the area was simply not delivering the quality of outdoor learning the team wanted for their early years pupils.

The challenges at Ilsham

• An area that sloped in several directions, with no level place to play
• A dark tarmac surface sitting underneath an equally dark shelter
• A space hemmed in by mature trees and surrounding buildings, restricting natural light
• Access via a narrow side lane only, with no onsite parking for installation works
• A site that needed to be revamped during the tight Easter holiday window

LAPSW MAT asked us to deliver as large a level play area as possible, while also lifting the appearance and brightness of the whole space to better suit a busy school EYFS environment.

Why Composite Decking Worked for an EYFS Area

For an enclosed, shaded EYFS site like Ilsham, a traditional timber deck would have struggled with damp, rot and ongoing maintenance. Composite decking offered a far better long term answer, particularly when paired with a thoughtful colour choice to push as much light as possible back into the space.

Key benefits of the composite decking approach

• A bright Limed Oak finish that bounces light around the enclosed area
• A consistent, level walking and play surface across the full footprint
• Minimal step heights and no significant drops, ideal for very young children
• Excellent durability with low long term maintenance compared to timber
• A clean, modern look that lifts the appearance of the whole EYFS space

You can see the wider Early Years Foundation Stage range on our website, alongside our full safety surfacing options.

Our Solution – Limed Oak Decking and Wet Pour Rubber

Our design team brought the two surface treatments together to create a single, cohesive scheme. The decking forms the central level play platform, and the surrounding ground is finished with a coloured Wet Pour Rubber mix that ties everything together visually.

What was installed at Ilsham

• A large, level composite decked area in Limed Oak finish
• Minimal step heights between the deck and the surrounding ground
• No significant drops or risky transitions for EYFS pupils
• A blue and yellow Wet Pour Rubber surround covering the perimeter
• Recessed drain covers and neat detailing throughout
• Smooth pathway access between the deck and the wider playground

Why this combination works for early years

• The Wet Pour edges give a soft landing zone and a neat visual frame for the deck
• The blue and yellow colour mix adds energy to a previously dark space
• The wet pour pathway makes the EYFS area easy to access and safe underfoot
• The recessed drain covers keep the surface flush, with no trip hazards

Together the materials lift the area in look, light and usability

Delivered Within the Easter Holiday Window

Working through the Easter holidays meant the team had a tight, fixed deadline to complete the full refurbishment ready for pupils returning to school. Despite the access challenges of the narrow side lane and the lack of onsite parking, the project was delivered on time and to a high standard.

The Results

The finished EYFS area is a magnificent transformation. What was once a dark, sloping and underused space is now a bright, level, safe and genuinely engaging early years environment. The Limed Oak deck reflects light beautifully, the wet pour edges are crisp and colourful, and the children and teachers at Ilsham now have an outdoor space that properly supports early years play and learning.

Thinking About a Similar EYFS Project? If your school or multi academy trust has a tired, dark or sloping early years outdoor space that needs revamping, the Rhino Play team would love to help. We are happy to visit, survey, design and quote at no obligation, and we can advise on the right combination of decking, safety surfacing and EYFS equipment to suit your site.