5.2 Give examples of inter-connected play spaces

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Give examples of inter-connected play spaces.

Inter-connected play spaces are areas that link together to give children more freedom and choice in how they move, play, and interact. These spaces are designed in ways that allow children to flow from one area to another without barriers that block their imagination or exploration. The links between spaces mean that play can continue in different locations while remaining part of the same overall environment. This is important in playwork because it gives children richer experiences and helps them build skills in communication, problem solving, and cooperation.

Inter-connected spaces can be indoors, outdoors, or combine both. They may be formal areas created as part of a plan or informal spaces that have grown naturally. The connection between spaces might be physical, visual, or imaginative. Some links are permanent, while others change day by day depending on the play activity.

Indoor and Outdoor Linked Play Areas

Many playwork settings connect indoor and outdoor spaces so children can move between them with ease. The connection may be through direct doors, shared windows, covered walkways, or open spaces.

Common examples include:

• A playroom with double doors that open onto a garden
• A covered veranda that serves as a transition between a building and outdoor playground
• A sheltered outdoor art area next to an indoor creative zone
• Climbing frames indoors leading directly to slide exits outside

These arrangements mean a child painting indoors can take their artwork outside to dry, or a child building with blocks can carry their construction outdoors to combine with natural materials.

Thematic Play Zones

Inter-connected play spaces can be linked by theme rather than by direct physical space. A theme can run across different rooms or areas, so children see connections wherever they go.

Examples include:

• A transport-themed playroom connected to an outdoor track area for bikes and scooters
• A nature-themed indoor discovery table linked to a woodland play space outside
• A role-play village inside that continues with larger life-sized structures outdoors
• Science experiment zone indoors linked to a water play area outside

The link is more than just decoration. It encourages children to expand their play ideas, moving between areas with the same concepts at different scales or contexts.

Open Plan Play Environments

Some settings use open plan layouts to make transitions between spaces natural. Open plan means large areas without many walls or fixed barriers. Sections may be defined by rugs, furniture placement, or changes in floor texture, but children can still see and access multiple spaces from wherever they are.

Examples include:

• A large hall with zones for dressing up, loose parts play, and big construction blocks
• Joined spaces for messy play, imaginative play, and reading corners
• Indoor sports flooring next to soft play seating areas

In open plan environments, children can make up games that cross several zones. For instance, a story acted out in a dressing up area can carry across into the construction zone as they make props.

Loose Parts Play Areas

Loose parts play is based on giving children varied materials that can be moved, combined, and changed. When the loose parts are spread across different areas, the spaces themselves become linked through what children carry between them.

Examples include:

• A sand pit with buckets linked to an art table where sand pictures are made
• Construction loose parts outdoors linked to cardboard modelling indoors
• Fabric and costume items inside linked to den building areas outside

The connection comes from the flow of materials from one space to another. Children see one play space as an extension of another.

Natural and Built Play Spaces

An outdoor setting might have natural play spaces such as grassy areas, wooded corners, or gardens linked with built play structures like climbing frames, swings, or seating shelters.

Examples include:

• A woodland space with a rope bridge leading to a man-made play tower
• A stream flowing past a paved patio that has water play equipment
• Grass areas linked to raised wooden decks and shelters

Children can change from natural exploration to structured climbing activities without feeling they have left their play environment.

Pathways and Transitional Areas

Sometimes the link between play spaces is not a direct doorway but a designed pathway. Transitional areas give children time to shift from one play type to another while still experiencing play on the way.

Examples include:

• Winding garden paths between different activity zones
• Bridges or raised walkways between playground sections
• Covered corridors with chalk boards, games, or sensory items

These links make transition part of the play rather than an empty gap.

Sensory Play Links

Sensory play spaces can be connected in creative ways so children follow sensory trails from one space to another. Sensory play engages sight, sound, touch, and sometimes taste and smell.

Examples include:

• A tactile wall indoors leading to a textured stepping trail outside
• A sound garden connected to an indoor music room
• Smell gardens linking to cooking activity spaces indoors

The sensory theme acts as the link and can guide children through multiple play areas.

Role-Play Settings with Extended Spaces

Role-play areas can be linked to other settings that extend the make-believe environment.

Examples include:

• A pretend shop indoors linked to a garden patch where children grow ‘produce’ to sell
• A role-play home indoors linked to outdoor play kitchens
• A pretend garage indoors linked to outdoor pedal go-kart tracks

Children can move between spaces while keeping the same role-play narrative alive.

Playground Sections Connected by Large Equipment

Many outdoor playgrounds have structures that connect areas together. Large play equipment such as climbing nets, tunnels, or slides can join different types of spaces.

Examples include:

• Tunnel slides that lead from a high climbing structure to a sand play area
• Rope climbing nets connecting grassed zones to hard court areas
• Balance beams or stepping stones linking water play areas to seating decks

These help children make their play continuous and more adventurous.

Inter-connected Spaces in Community Play Settings

Community playgrounds and parks can link with other facilities such as libraries, sports halls, or community gardens.

Examples include:

• A library with an outside storytelling space leading to a play park
• A sports hall opening onto a community playground
• A public garden with built trails leading to an adventure play area

Such links mean play can include social and cultural elements with a variety of experiences.

Visual Links Between Spaces

Sometimes spaces are linked visually without a direct physical route. This can still encourage a feeling of connection and flow.

Examples include:

• Windows between an art room and outdoor sculpture garden
• Glass walls allowing children to see from messy play areas into a reading corner
• Semi-open fencing giving views from a climbing frame to the sports court

Visual links help children anticipate and plan their next play activity.

Digital and Physical Hybrid Play Spaces

Some playwork projects connect physical and digital play. Technology can link spaces in imaginative ways.

Examples include:

• An indoor coding area linked to an outdoor robot challenge course
• QR codes placed in different play zones that trigger clues on a tablet
• Projector installations indoors linked to art created outdoors

These connections blend modern play tools with traditional spaces.

Benefits of Inter-connected Play Spaces

Inter-connected play spaces bring several benefits for children and for playworkers.

Benefits include:

• More choice for children in how they play
• Freedom to move between activities without disruptions
• Opportunities to combine different forms of play
• Improved social interaction across wider groups
• Flow that encourages sustained play over longer periods
• Supports creativity and problem solving

By linking spaces, playworkers can support positive child development across physical, emotional, and cognitive areas.

Managing Links Between Spaces

To make inter-connected spaces work well, some points should be kept in mind.

Points include:

• Supervision across linked areas so children feel safe
• Clear sight lines whenever possible
• Safe surfaces along linked routes
• Signage or signals guiding children between spaces
• Adaptability to suit changing play needs

This makes it easier for children to take full advantage of the connections without confusion or risk.

Final Thoughts

Inter-connected play spaces allow children to explore, create, and socialise across a wide range of environments without losing the flow of their play. Whether the link is through direct pathways, shared themes, or materials that move between spaces, the result is richer play that supports growth and learning.

For a playworker, the ability to recognise and design these links is an important skill. By thinking about how each space can connect and support others, you help children have meaningful experiences across the whole setting. It is about seeing the bigger picture of how play spaces work together and giving children the freedom to make those spaces their own.