Saplings Special School in Kill, Co. Kildare is part of a nationwide network of schools that support children with autism and complex needs. The school provides a highly specialised learning environment where structure, routine, and sensory sensitivity are at the heart of daily life.
When the team at Saplings got in touch with Schools Grass, they weren’t just looking for a new surface for their yard. They were looking for something much bigger - a complete transformation. The existing outdoor area was due an overhaul, and the goal was to create something colourful, engaging and, most importantly, designed specifically for the needs of their students.
We were thrilled to be asked to take it on.
The school’s brief was clear: they wanted an outdoor space that supported both learning and play. A space that felt fun, but also safe. Calming in some parts, energising in others. Above all, it had to be inclusive - accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities, including those with heightened sensory needs.
Before the project kicked off, we created a full set of custom renders to show exactly how the proposed yard would look. This is something we offer all schools - it’s not just helpful, it’s often essential. Having a visual plan in front of them gave the Saplings team the confidence to move forward and allowed us to fine-tune the design together before any work began.
That early-stage collaboration made a big difference.
The final design brought together a whole range of Schools Grass colours - not just green, but blue, red, orange, white, and black too. The colours weren’t just chosen for aesthetics; they were carefully placed to add vibrancy, structure and interest across the yard.
One of the most eye-catching features of the new space is a custom-designed play road that loops around the yard. It includes zebra crossings and playful traffic light designs, creating a fun way for students to move through the space and engage in imaginative, real-world inspired play. It’s a hit with both staff and students.
But it’s not all about the road. Away from the track, we created more open-ended, free-play areas with fewer visual cues and a more relaxed atmosphere. These sections offer a break from stimulation - giving students the option to rest, regroup or simply enjoy some quieter moments outdoors. There are no hard boundaries here. Just a gentle flow from active to calm, letting children choose what they need at any given time.
Every inch of this yard was planned with the children’s experience in mind. The synthetic grass we use is soft, safe, and built to handle everything from sunny days to rainy ones. It provides a non-slip surface that’s both durable and forgiving, making it ideal for everyday school life.
The different colours and textures offer subtle sensory cues that can help children feel more grounded and aware of their surroundings - without overwhelming them. For some, it’s about exploring through touch. For others, it’s just the comfort of being in a well-designed, predictable space where they know what to expect.
It might look like just a yard at first glance, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a space for growth. For fun. For connection.
The transformation at Saplings Special School turned a plain, underused yard into a vibrant and multi-functional play space. The new layout now offers a clear balance between active zones and more open, calming areas - giving children the freedom to engage with the space in a way that suits their needs.
With a safe, low-maintenance surface now in place, the school has a durable and weather-resilient yard that can be used year-round - not just for break times, but also for structured lessons, sensory breaks, or small-group activities.
This project reflects the kind of outcome we aim for on every job: a practical, inclusive space that makes the most of every square metre and adds long-term value to the school environment.
At Schools Grass, we specialise in designing and installing play spaces for schools across Ireland - with a particular focus on inclusivity, durability, and sensory-friendly design. We work closely with each school to understand their needs, and we’re proud to offer services like 3D renders and bespoke layouts as part of our process.
The Saplings project reflects everything we aim to do: turn underused yards into meaningful, multi-purpose spaces that support education, wellbeing, and joy.
We’re proud of the work done here, and even prouder to see it being enjoyed.
Whether you're starting with a blank slate or upgrading an existing area, our team will work with you from planning to installation - including custom renders to help bring your vision to life.
Get in touch today to start designing a space that works for your school and your students.
📞 Call us today on (045) 901 970
📧 Or email safeplay@schoolsgrass.ie to book a consultation or request a quote.
