Educational markings
World maps, analogue clocks, compass points and alphabet trails that let teachers move a lesson outdoors without carrying a thing.
What are educational markings?
Educational playground markings are thermoplastic designs that put curriculum topics onto the tarmac, from a world map and compass rose to a working clock face and an A to Z alphabet snake. They cover the subjects that benefit most from space and movement: geography, maths, literacy and phonics. A class can find a continent with their feet, read the time off a three-metre clock, or hop the alphabet in order, which suits the children who take things in better on the move than at a desk. They are one type of playground markings we design and install.
Why do schools choose educational markings?
Whole subjects, out in the playground
A map handles geography, a clock handles time, an alphabet snake handles early phonics. Between them they cover a lot of ground that lands better outdoors.
Right for active learners
Children who fidget at a desk often click when a lesson lets them walk, point and jump. These designs are built for exactly that.
Used well beyond lessons
A world map and a clock get pointed at, argued over and played on at break as well as in class, so they keep working all day.
What types of educational markings do we install?
World maps, clocks and phonics trails that take a lesson outside.
World and UK maps
Clear, child-friendly world and UK maps, with a compass rose alongside for directions.
Analogue clock face
A large clock with movable focus, for teaching o’clock, half past and the language of time.
Alphabet snakes and phonics trails
A to Z paths and sound trails for early reading, letter recognition and blending.
Compass points and directions
North, south, east and west set into the ground for geography, maps and outdoor navigation games.
Educational markings: designs and guide prices
Every design in this range, 55 in all, each with a guide price you can add to a quote.
Prices exclude VAT
How do we install educational markings?
Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.
- 01
Survey
We look at the surface and the space, and talk through which topics your teachers want outside, so the map or clock lands somewhere it will actually get used.
- 02
Design
We draw the design to scale, agree the colours and, for maps, confirm the labelling, then send it over for your subject leads to approve.
- 03
Install
The design is masked out and laid in thermoplastic on site. A world map or large clock is typically completed within a day.
- 04
Aftercare
The markings are ready to use once cool. We can add matching pieces, a compass or an alphabet trail, on a later visit to build the set up over time.
What do educational markings cost?
Individual educational designs cost from around £100 for a Venn diagram up to about £1,425 for the large 4m x 6m world map, fitted. These are guide prices for each design, and the final figure depends on the size, the detail, the number of colours and the surface. Grouping several designs into one install keeps the price per piece down. We survey first and send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
Prices exclude VAT
Payment terms and any site-dependent charges, for example an aborted visit or extra cleaning, are set out in our terms.
Get a free design and quoteWhat is the specification for educational markings?
The key details for educational markings. We confirm everything on your design drawing.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Hard-wearing thermoplastic |
| World map | From 3m diameter up to 4m x 6m |
| Clock face | Around 3m to 3.5m diameter |
| Subjects | Geography, maths, literacy, phonics |
| Surface | Tarmac or macadam, sound and dry |
| Install time | Often a single day for a large piece |
What do our educational markings look like?
A closer look at educational markings and designs like them on real school playgrounds.
Thinking about educational markings for your school? See how our process works, from a free survey to install, meet the team behind your markings, or read reviews from schools we have worked with. For directional floor and site-navigation markings we also fit wayfinding markings.
Educational markings: your questions answered
Which educational markings do you offer?
Popular designs include world maps, analogue clocks, compass points and alphabet snakes, because each one carries a clear part of the curriculum. Number grids and phonics designs sit well alongside them, and we can combine a few into one scheme so the playground covers several subjects.
What maps do you offer?
Clear, child-friendly world and UK maps, from a 3m diameter world map up to a 4m x 6m version, plus UK regions and counties maps. We confirm the labelling with you on the design drawing before anything is installed.
Can educational markings suit different year groups?
They can. An alphabet snake and a simple clock suit EYFS and Key Stage 1, while detailed maps, compass work and place-value grids stretch Key Stage 2. Tell us your year groups and we will suggest a mix that earns its place.
Get a free design and quote
Tell us about your playground and we will arrange a survey, draw educational markings around your site and send a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise. There is no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?
0333 321 6699Thanks, that is with us
We will be in touch as soon as possible to arrange your free design and quote. If it is urgent, call 0333 321 6699.
What works well with educational markings?
Related services and guides schools often pair with educational markings.
The experts behind your markings
The people who design, price and stand behind every Uniplay installation.
Michael Jarvie
Operations Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with over 16 years' experience in the playground markings industry and masses of industry knowledge. There is very rarely a thermoplastic query he cannot resolve.
Connect on LinkedIn
Victoria Walmsley
Sales and Marketing Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with a wealth of experience across all things thermoplastic, leading sales and marketing at Uniplay.
Connect on LinkedInReady to get your playground moving?
Tell us about your space and we will send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
- Free design and site survey
- No obligation
- Our own in-house installation team