ULP Knowledge Centre
Practical guidance for schools and childcare centres planning better outdoor environments.
Answers to the questions that come up when a school or a centre starts planning: what to decide first, what the site will allow, which standards apply, and what makes a space keep working once the novelty has worn off.
Schools
Planning and master planning, nature play, outdoor learning, standards and inclusive design.
Childcare
Planning and educational outcomes, the EYLF, nature play, risky play, materials and climate.
Schools questions
- Where can schools find funding and grants for playground and outdoor projects?
- How do NSW public schools navigate AMU procurement for outdoor projects?
- How do you plan a school playground or outdoor environment?
- How do you create a nature play space at a school?
- What is an outdoor learning environment at a school?
- What playground standards apply to Australian schools?
- How do you design an inclusive school playground?
- How should schools plan for shade in outdoor play areas?
- What playground surfacing is best for schools?
- How should student voice be included in playground design?
- Why is student voice important in school outdoor design?
- Playform for Architects and Consultants
- Playform for P&Cs and P&F’s
- How can school grounds support learning, play and student wellbeing?
- Is synthetic grass sustainable for schools?
- Can a school playground be built during term time?
- How long does a school playground project take?
- How do you stage a school playground project over several years?
- How do you future-proof a school playground?
Childcare questions
- How do you plan a childcare outdoor environment?
- How can outdoor environments support the EYLF?
- How do you create a nature play environment in childcare?
- How do you design for risky play in childcare?
- Is synthetic grass sustainable for childcare centres?
- What makes a high-quality childcare outdoor play space?
- How should a childcare outdoor space cater for different age groups?
- How do you design an inclusive childcare outdoor environment?
- How should shade be planned in a childcare outdoor environment?
- What playground standards apply to childcare centres in Australia?
- How can childcare outdoor spaces support sensory play?
- How should loose parts be incorporated into childcare outdoor environments?
- How can childcare centres reduce heat in outdoor play areas?
- How do you choose durable materials for a childcare playground?
- How can drainage problems be solved in childcare outdoor areas?
- How often should childcare playgrounds be inspected and maintained?
- Should a childcare outdoor environment be renovated in stages or all at once?
Planning guide: Planning School Outdoor Environments
Planning guide: Getting More From Your Outdoor Environment
About Urban Landscape Projects
Urban Landscape Projects designs and builds outdoor environments for schools and childcare centres across Greater Sydney. We have operated since 1990, with more than 35 years of experience, 1,100+ completed projects and 30+ industry awards.
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What is ULP’s expertise?
We understand how children use outdoor spaces, what educators need from them and what it takes to build them properly.
Since 1990, ULP has brought landscape design and construction together to create school and childcare environments that support play, learning, wellbeing and belonging.
Our expertise lies in carrying the thinking all the way through: understanding the people and the place, shaping the right design, resolving budgets and standards, and delivering an environment that works beautifully in everyday life.
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How does ULP work?
Our team brings together decades of experience in landscape architecture, construction, project management and educational environments.
Combined with our long-established network of specialist consultants, suppliers and trusted construction partners, ULP has the capability to deliver projects of every scale with confidence.
Every project benefits from experienced leadership, practical decision-making and a collaborative approach focused on quality, safety and lasting outcomes.
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How does ULP approach a project?
Every project begins by understanding your goals, challenges and long-term vision.
We work collaboratively with clients, consultants and stakeholders to develop practical, buildable solutions that balance design quality, functionality, budget and compliance.
Our integrated approach keeps projects moving efficiently from concept through to completion.
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Who does ULP work with?
Great projects are delivered by great people.
Over more than 35 years, ULP has built long-standing relationships with specialist consultants, suppliers and construction partners who share our commitment to quality, safety and reliability.
These trusted partnerships allow us to consistently deliver exceptional educational environments across Greater Sydney.
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Who designs the space and who builds it?
At ULP, design and construction are not separate conversations.
Our designers, estimators and construction team work together from the beginning, carrying one clear vision from the first idea to final handover.Every decision is considered against how the space will be used, what it will cost, how it will meet standards and how it will be built.
The result is a simpler, more certain process, one accountable partner and an outdoor environment delivered with its original purpose and quality intact.
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How does ULP handle safety, quality and compliance?
Every Urban Landscape Projects project is delivered with a strong commitment to safety, quality and compliance. From design through to construction, our experienced team ensures every project meets the highest professional standards.
As a key point of difference, ULP maintains qualified in-house playground safety expertise, integrating Australian Standards and playground safety principles throughout the design and delivery process.
Supported by comprehensive insurances, industry prequalification and proven quality systems, we deliver projects with confidence from start to finish.
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Where does ULP work?
We work across Greater Sydney, designing and building outdoor environments for schools and childcare centres. We have delivered projects beyond Sydney where a client relationship or a specific brief has taken us there.
Our office is at Unit 1, 14 Loyalty Road, North Rocks NSW 2151, and our construction teams work from there across the region.
Knowledge: How do you plan a school playground or outdoor environment?
Knowledge: What playground standards apply to Australian schools?
Knowledge: How do you create a nature play space at a school?
Knowledge: Is synthetic grass sustainable for childcare centres?
Knowledge: How do you design for risky play in childcare?