Soft Play for Schools: Why Foam Soft Play Is Perfect for Classrooms, Nurseries & SEN Rooms

Over the past few years we've supplied soft play to a growing number of schools, nurseries and early years settings across the UK – from reception classrooms and baby rooms to SEN sensory spaces and wet-play areas. Teachers and setting managers keep telling us the same thing: foam soft play gets children moving, keeps them safe and fits into almost any space.

In this guide we explain why soft play is such a good fit for schools, and show the products schools buy from us most often.

Why soft play works so well in schools

• Builds physical skills. Climbing, crawling, balancing and sliding develop gross motor skills, core strength and coordination – a key part of physical development in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Safe active play indoors. Soft foam shapes let children be active on rainy days and during wet play, without the bumps and scrapes of hard equipment.
• Inclusive and SEN friendly. Soft, tactile shapes are ideal for sensory rooms, nurture groups and calm corners, giving every child a safe space to explore at their own pace.
• Flexible and modular. Blocks can be rearranged into obstacle courses, dens, PE warm-ups or role-play scenes – then stacked neatly away at the end of the day.
• Built for busy settings. Dense foam shapes in durable covers stand up to daily use by a whole class.
• Free UK delivery. Every order ships free to schools anywhere in the UK.

Large soft play sets for whole classes

For reception classes, school halls and play areas, these bigger sets give lots of children room to play at once.

Mega Castle Soft Play Set
From £2,400

A large castle of climbing blocks, steps and slides – a centrepiece for a school hall or early years room.

Soft Play Party Set
From £1,500

Dozens of foam pieces that build into play zones big enough for a whole group.

Iglu Soft Play House
From £4,499

A walk-in foam playhouse that becomes a den, reading nook or role-play space.

Castle & Cubes Set – 17 Blocks
From £290

Seventeen large blocks for building, climbing and obstacle courses.

Stacking Block Set – 45 Pieces
From £210

Great for group building, counting, sorting and teamwork activities.

Climbing, sliding and balance sets

These sets are brilliant for physical development sessions, PE warm-ups and continuous provision.

Mega Fun Slider
From £249

Steps up, slide down – endlessly popular and great for turn-taking.

Bridge Set with Slide & Balance
From £200

Combines climbing, balancing and sliding in one compact set.

Cloud Set with Steps & Slide
From £200

A gentle climb-and-slide set that suits younger children and nursery rooms.

Soft Play Tunnel Set
From £298

Crawling through tunnels builds coordination and spatial awareness.

T-Tunnel Set – 4 Pieces
From £180

A branching tunnel that adds choices and exploration to any layout.

Mega Wave
From £139

A large wave shape for rocking, climbing and balance challenges.

Early years, baby rooms and ball pits

Nurseries and pre-school rooms love these lower-level sets for crawlers and new walkers.

Corner Climber
From £140

Fits neatly into a room corner – ideal where floor space is tight.

Little Crawler Set
From £159

Low ramps and steps for babies learning to crawl and climb.

Soft Play Mats – 5 Piece
From £190

Cushioned flooring to go under climbing sets or create a tummy-time area.

Pastel Play Ball Pit
From £295

A sensory favourite – brilliant for colour recognition and counting games.

Ball Pit Balls – 500 Pack
From £91

Top up or refresh your ball pit in bulk.

Seating for reading corners and calm spaces

Soft seating turns a corner of the classroom into a cosy reading area, nurture space or SEN calm zone.

Hexagon Bench Play Pouf
From £109

Group several together for story time or carpet sessions.

Round Play Pouf
From £90

Lightweight, child-height seats that move easily around the room.

Modular Foam Kids Sofa
From £193

A sofa that doubles as a building and den-making set.

Quilted Eco Leather Furniture Set
From £200

Two chairs, a sofa and a lounger – a complete reading corner in one order.

Rocking Play Chair
From £117

Gentle rocking movement can help children settle and self-regulate.

Tips for planning soft play in your school

• Measure your space first and leave clear space around climbing and sliding pieces.
• Add mats under anything children climb on.
• Mix zones – an active zone for climbing and a quiet zone with seating works well in most classrooms.
• Think about storage – modular block sets stack away neatly when you need the floor back.
• Buy as a bundle – see our indoor play area bundles for ready-made combinations.

Ordering soft play for your school or nursery

All orders come with free UK delivery. If you're kitting out a whole room or buying for more than one class, email us at info@childrenssoftplay.co.uk – we're happy to suggest a layout and put together a quote.

Browse more: Soft Play Sets · Soft Play Block Sets · Tunnel Sets · Ball Pits · Play Mats · Soft Play Furniture