Their Challenge

The Ferns Academy, part of Northern Education Trust, needed to redevelop its Early Years and outdoor play space to improve safety, support curriculum-led learning and provide an engaging environment for pupils. The works had to be delivered within a live school setting, with safeguarding, access control and programme certainty central to the brief, and with the area fully prepared for specialist play installations.

Our Solution

Applebridge Building Services (ABS) acted as Principal Contractor, taking full responsibility for CDM compliance, site leadership and coordination from planning through to handover. We managed logistics and segregation to protect pupils and staff, controlled access and welfare arrangements, and sequenced enabling works to align precisely with Pentagon Play’s design and installation programme. This ensured the site was structurally ready for specialist surfacing and equipment installation, without compromising day-to-day school operations.

Scope of Works

• Principal Contractor duties and CDM compliance management
• Programme management and coordination of site activities
• Safeguarding controls, logistics planning and access management in a live school environment
• Removal of existing surfacing, edging and legacy play structures
• Groundworks: excavation, formation and new sub-base preparation
• Drainage installation/adjustments to suit new surfacing systems
• Foundations and structural preparation for canopies, shelters and fixed equipment
• Hard landscaping to improve circulation and access
• Site set-up: fencing, welfare and ongoing site management

The Results

The academy received a refreshed outdoor learning and play environment that is safer, more functional and aligned with EYFS and KS1 needs. The works were delivered with controlled interfaces between enabling and specialist phases, maintaining safeguarding standards and minimising disruption to teaching. The completed space supports physical activity, creative play and outdoor learning, with durable finishes suited to ongoing school use.