Upgrades to outdoor play areas at Fletcher 

Transforming outdoor play at Fletcher

We are excited to share the plans for significant upgrades to our outdoor environments at St Nicholas Early Education Fletcher. These enhancements have been thoughtfully designed to provide children with even more opportunities to explore, learn, and flourish through play-based experiences.

Works commence: Monday 3 November 2025

Estimated completion: March 2026

This page is your hub for all updates, imagery, and information as we move through this exciting project. 

Gallery

Impacts on operations

Children’s safety remains the priority.

  • All work areas will be securely fenced and separated from active play.
  • Contractors engaged in the project will hold current Working With Children Checks and follow St Nicholas’ safeguarding protocols.
  • Works will be staged so that outdoor play remains available throughout the project.
  • Noise and disruption will be managed, with high-impact works scheduled outside of key learning times where possible.
  • Drop-off and pick-up arrangements will remain the same throughout the works.
  • Educators will continue to deliver high-quality programs, ensuring children’s learning and play experiences are not compromised.

Temporary room reconfigurations

We will be temporarily reconfiguring some of our rooms to ensure children’s safety and minimise disruption during the works.

Room reconfigurations will be as follows:

  • Children from the Eucalyptus and Banksia Rooms will move to the top two preschool rooms.
  • Children from the Jacaranda Room will move to the Waratah Room.
  • The Gumnuts and Magnolia Rooms will remain unchanged.

Key features

  • Gross motor play zones, including bike tracks, open spaces, and equipment to support strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Natural play elements such as timber, sandstone, and sensory materials to spark curiosity and encourage connection with nature.
  • Water play areas for safe sensory exploration and hands-on discovery.
  • Quiet reflection spaces for mindfulness, storytelling, and restful moments.
  • Expanded shade coverage to ensure sun-safe outdoor experiences all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What upgrades are being made to the outdoor environments?

    Our upgraded outdoor spaces will include:

    • Gross motor play zones, including bike tracks, open spaces, and equipment to support strength, balance, and coordination.
    • Natural play elements such as timber, sandstone, and sensory materials to spark curiosity and encourage connection with nature.
    • Water play areas for safe sensory exploration and hands-on discovery.
    • Quiet reflection spaces for mindfulness, storytelling, and restful moments.
    • Expanded shade coverage to ensure sun-safe outdoor experiences all year round.

    Creative play zones to foster imagination, collaboration, and problem-solving.

  • Why are the upgrades taking longer than expected?

    The project experienced earlier delays due to external factors outside our control, but we are now moving forward with momentum.​

  • When will construction start?

    Works commence: Monday 3 November 2025

    Estimated completion: March 2026

  • How will safety be managed during construction?

    Children’s safety remains the priority.

    • All work areas will be securely fenced and separated from active play.
    • Contractors engaged in the project will hold current Working With Children Checks and follow St Nicholas’ safeguarding protocols.
    • Works will be staged so that outdoor play remains available throughout the project.
    • Noise and disruption will be managed, with high-impact works scheduled outside of key learning times where possible.
    • Drop-off and pick-up arrangements will remain the same throughout the works.
    • Educators will continue to deliver high-quality programs, ensuring children’s learning and play experiences are not compromised.

  • Will children still have access to outdoor play during the upgrades?

    Yes. We have planned carefully to ensure children continue to enjoy outdoor play in safe, supervised spaces while the upgrades are underway.

  • How were the new outdoor features decided?

    The designs were developed with expert input and based on best practice principles for early childhood outdoor learning, as well as feedback and input from our educators.

  • How will I stay informed about the project’s progress?

    We will continue to keep families updated as the project progresses via OWNA, including any changes or new information that may arise.