What is the Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set?

The Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set is a 42-piece construction set for children aged 2 years and above, comprising 40 large slotting pieces made from 100% recycled plastic and two storage poles. The chunky 12cm pieces connect by slotting together along their edges, giving young children a satisfying and accessible building experience without requiring precise grip or dexterity. The set shares the Creative Play Awards 2022 recognition awarded to the My First Octoplay range in the Special Educational Needs Toys and Resources (0 to 3 years) category, making it an independently validated resource for early years SEN provision.

Why this set stands out for SEN and early years use

The Creative Play Awards 2022 recognition reflects the genuine accessibility of the My First Octoplay range for children with additional needs. The large 12cm pieces reduce the physical demands on children with dyspraxia, developmental coordination difficulties, or delayed fine motor development. The slot-together connection is firm and stable once engaged but manageable for children from age 2, supporting independent participation in group construction activities alongside peers.

For children with sensory processing differences, the set provides satisfying tactile feedback through the resistance and click of the slotting connection, and a visually manageable environment with solid, clearly differentiated colours and large piece surfaces that are easy to track and manipulate.

Why it works in nurseries and early years classrooms

• Award-winning SEN resource for group settings: recognised at the Creative Play Awards 2022 in the Special Educational Needs Toys and Resources (0 to 3 years) category, giving SENCOs and early years leads independent evidence of suitability for inclusion in SEN provision.
• Whole-group quantity: 40 pieces across the set provide enough material for group construction activities, making this a practical choice for nurseries and early years classrooms without needing multiple sets.
• Made from 100% recycled plastic: all pieces are manufactured entirely from recycled material, making this one of the most sustainably produced class-set construction resources available for early years settings.
• Large 12cm pieces for children from age 2: chunky pieces are easy to pick up, handle, and connect for toddlers and young children, including those with additional needs or developing fine motor skills.
• Two dual-purpose storage poles: thread through pieces for compact, organised storage in the reusable carton, and can also be used as construction elements for more intricate builds as children progress.
• Model guide included: gives practitioners a bank of structured builds to introduce during guided sessions, supporting group learning objectives alongside free exploration.

Suitable for home use too

The class set works well at home for families with multiple children or for a single child who benefits from a greater number of pieces for more complex builds. The two storage poles and reusable carton keep everything tidy between sessions. Parents supporting children with dyspraxia, fine motor delays, or sensory differences will find the set a practical and confidence-building resource, with independent award recognition in the SEN category to support their choice.

Why construction play matters in early development

Hands-on construction play is consistently recommended by occupational therapists and early years practitioners as a key activity for building the foundational skills children need for literacy and numeracy. Slotting, connecting, and building three-dimensional structures develops fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and sustained attention. For children with dyspraxia, sensory processing differences, or other learning differences, large-piece construction activities provide a structured and rewarding context for developing these skills alongside their peers.

Ready to order?

The Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set is available to order for nurseries, early years settings, and home use. For questions about suitability or bulk orders, our team is happy to help.

• Award winner: Creative Play Awards 2022, Special Educational Needs Toys and Resources (0 to 3 years) category.
• 42 pieces included: 40 Octoplay construction pieces plus 2 storage poles.
• Slot-together connection: pieces connect along their edges by slotting together, accessible for children aged 2 and above without requiring precise grip or dexterity.
• Large piece size: each piece measures 12cm x 12cm, designed for easy handling by toddlers and young children.
• Made from 100% recycled plastic: all pieces are manufactured entirely from recycled material, fully recyclable and BPA free.
• Two dual-purpose storage poles: thread through pieces for compact storage and can also be used as construction elements for more detailed models.
• Recyclable carton packaging.
• Model guide included: provides structured build ideas for guided and independent play.
• Cleaning method: hand wash with mild sterilising detergent.
• Age suitability: 2 years and above.
• Weight: 1.5 kg.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 29 x 13.5 x 13 cm.
• Packaging: sturdy, reusable carton.
• Barcode (EAN-13): 5060164539094.
• Product code (MPN): 81-1020.
• Material: 100% recycled plastic, BPA free.

• What is the Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set?
  The Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set is a 42-piece construction set for children aged 2 years and above, comprising 40 large slotting pieces made from 100% recycled plastic and two storage poles. Pieces slot together to build 2D patterns and 3D models. The set is a winner of the Creative Play Awards 2022 in the Special Educational Needs Toys and Resources (0 to 3 years) category.
• Has the My First Octoplay Class Set won any awards?
  Yes. The Polydron My First Octoplay range won the Creative Play Awards 2022 in the Special Educational Needs Toys and Resources (0 to 3 years) category. This award recognises the range's suitability as a construction resource for young children with additional needs, including those with dyspraxia, fine motor difficulties, and sensory processing differences.
• What is the difference between the My First Octoplay Set and the My First Octoplay Class Set?
  The My First Octoplay Set contains 21 pieces (20 construction pieces and 1 storage pole) and is sized for individual or small group use. The My First Octoplay Class Set contains 42 pieces (40 construction pieces and 2 storage poles) and is designed for larger group activities in nursery and early years classroom settings. Both are made from 100% recycled plastic and share the same 12cm piece size and slot-together connection.
• What age is the My First Octoplay Class Set suitable for?
  The My First Octoplay Class Set is designed for children aged 2 years and above. The large 12cm pieces are easy for toddlers to handle, and the slot-together connection means children can build independently from age 2. The set remains engaging through nursery and early Reception years as children develop more complex building skills.
• How does the My First Octoplay Class Set support children with dyspraxia or fine motor difficulties?
  The My First Octoplay Class Set is well suited to children with dyspraxia or developmental coordination difficulties, as recognised by the Creative Play Awards 2022 SEN category. The large 12cm pieces are easy to grasp and position, and the slot-together connection does not require fine pincer grip or precise alignment. Children can participate fully in group construction activities alongside their peers.
• What skills does the My First Octoplay Class Set develop?
  The My First Octoplay Class Set develops fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, early geometry and shape awareness, colour recognition, and sustained attention. For children with learning differences including dyspraxia and sensory processing differences, large-piece construction play is widely recommended by occupational therapists as part of a supportive approach to building foundational early development skills.
• Is the My First Octoplay Class Set suitable for nursery and classroom use?
  Yes, the class set is specifically designed for nursery and early years classroom use. With 40 construction pieces it provides enough material for group activities without needing multiple sets. The pieces are BPA free, hand-washable, and stored compactly in a reusable carton measuring 29 x 13.5 x 13 cm, making it easy to use and put away in a busy setting.
• Is the Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set made from recycled materials?
  Yes. All 40 construction pieces in the Polydron My First Octoplay Class Set are manufactured from 100% recycled plastic. The set is also fully recyclable and BPA free, and is supplied in a recyclable carton. This makes it one of the most sustainably produced class-set construction resources available for early years and SEN settings.