Giant Octoplay Set 1 is a 21-piece tactile construction set by Polydron, made from 100% recycled plastic and suitable for children aged 2 and over, including those with general SEND and learning differences. Polydron describe it as a good starter set for 1 or 2 children, and as an ideal resource for reception class and nursery settings. The 20 Giant Octoplay pieces feature textured surfaces that provide a sensory feel and measure 24 cm across, connecting simply and easily to build a wide range of imaginative models. A versatile storage pole is included and can also be incorporated into play.

Children use the set to build models including a person, dinosaur, dog, flower, horse, plane, fish, and reindeer, with the same 20 pieces reconfigured each time. The connection mechanism is simple and easy to use, the pieces are lightweight and durable, and the set is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Colours are supplied in 4 tones, though these may vary due to the use of recycled materials. The set is compatible with XL Octoplay.

For schools

Giant Octoplay Set 1 is a well-suited resource for EYFS and SEND provision. Polydron explicitly describe it as ideal for reception class in primary schools and for preschoolers at nurseries. The textured surfaces provide a sensory element that supports engagement from children with a range of learning differences, while the simple connection mechanism makes the set accessible to children with developing fine motor skills. The wide variety of models -- animals, people, vehicles, and plants -- provides a natural hook for imaginative, language-rich play alongside the construction activity.

• Textured surfaces for sensory engagement. Every piece features a textured surface that Polydron describe as providing a sensory feel, supporting children with SEND who benefit from tactile, hands-on resources.
• Simple connection for developing hands. The pieces connect easily, making the set accessible for children with developing fine motor skills and for those who find complex construction mechanisms frustrating.
• Wide range of models from one set. Children can build a person, dinosaur, dog, flower, horse, plane, fish, reindeer, and more from the same 20 pieces, providing variety and sustained engagement across multiple sessions.
• Starter set for 1 or 2 children. The set is sized and scoped for individual or paired work, making it well-suited to targeted SEND intervention sessions and paired learning activities.
• Indoor and outdoor use. The lightweight, durable pieces are suitable for use in a classroom, SEND resource room, or outdoor learning area.

For parents and home use

Giant Octoplay Set 1 gives children aged 2 and over an accessible, open-ended construction set that they can use independently or with a parent at home. The 20 pieces build into a variety of recognisable models -- dinosaurs, horses, planes, flowers, and more -- giving young children something purposeful and engaging to make without the frustration of complex mechanisms. The textured surfaces add a sensory dimension that many children with SEND find naturally engaging, and the included storage pole keeps everything tidy between sessions.

• Accessible for young and developing hands. The simple connection and 24 cm pieces are designed to be manageable for children from age 2, including those with general SEND and learning differences who benefit from straightforward, hands-on resources.
• Motivating variety of models. Building a dinosaur, then a dog, then a plane from the same pieces keeps children engaged across many play sessions, supporting sustained attention and creative thinking.
• Storage pole included and doubles as a play piece. The storage pole keeps all 20 pieces together between uses and can also be incorporated into construction play, extending the set's versatility.
• Sustainably made. 100% recycled plastic, BPA free, and fully recyclable -- a responsible choice for families.

SEND support

Giant Octoplay Set 1 is a practical and accessible resource for children with a range of general SEND and learning differences. The textured surfaces on every piece provide a sensory element that supports tactile exploration alongside construction, making this set genuinely multi-sensory in a way that smooth-surfaced construction toys are not. The simple, easy connection mechanism ensures children with developing fine motor skills or coordination differences can engage successfully without adult intervention for every step.

The variety of recognisable models -- animals, people, and vehicles -- means children can build towards a clear, motivating goal that connects to their own interests. This interest-led approach is particularly valuable for children with SEND who benefit from purposeful, self-directed activity. The lightweight, durable pieces are safe for independent use, and the set's compatibility with XL Octoplay means it can grow as a child develops.

Whether you are equipping a SEND resource space, an EYFS construction area, or providing a tactile construction resource at home, Giant Octoplay Set 1 is a well-designed, purposeful starter set from a trusted educational brand. Contact The Dyslexia Shop for advice on how this product fits within your SEND provision or home learning plan.

• 32 pieces: 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons, each side measuring 40.5 cm.
• Over 1.7m tall when assembled: Builds into a buckminsterfullerene (also known as a C60 or geodesic sphere) standing over 1.7m tall. [Please note: the Polydron product page meta description states "over 1.8m" -- please verify the exact height with Polydron before publishing.]
• Rollable once built: The completed structure is sturdy and can be rolled without falling apart.
• Chunky, large-scale pieces: Each panel side measures 40.5 cm, making the pieces manageable for young and developing hands.
• Also known as a buckminsterfullerene: The same geometric pattern as a traditional football -- 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons -- scaled up to a walkable structure.
• Material: 100% recycled HDPE plastic, BPA free, and fully recyclable.
• Colour note: Colours may vary due to the use of recycled materials.
• Weight: 18.4 kg (total, across 2 boxes).
• Box dimensions (each): 76 x 69 x 37 cm. Supplied in 2 boxes.
• Age suitability: Suitable for children aged 2 and over.
• Cleaning: Hand wash with mild sterilising detergent.
• Packaging: Supplied in 2 recyclable cartons.
• Brand: Polydron (XL Polydron range).
• Polydron Product Code: 70-7140.
• Barcode (EAN-13): [UNVERIFIED - not listed on product page, please check with Polydron].

• 21 pieces: 20 Giant Octoplay pieces in 4 colours and 1 storage pole.
• Tactile, textured surfaces: Every piece features a textured surface that Polydron describe as providing a sensory feel.
• Piece size: Each piece measures 24 cm (9.45 inches) across.
• Simple connection: Pieces slot together simply and easily, accessible for young children and those with developing fine motor skills.
• Wide range of models: Build a person, dinosaur, dog, flower, horse, plane, fish, reindeer, and more from the same 20 pieces.
• Versatile storage pole: Included storage pole organises all 20 pieces and can also be incorporated into construction play.
• Compatible with XL Octoplay: The set connects with the XL Octoplay range for extended construction.
• Indoor and outdoor use: Lightweight and durable, suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
• Material: 100% recycled plastic, BPA free, and fully recyclable.
• Colour note: Supplied in 4 colours. Colours may vary due to the use of recycled materials.
• Weight: 3.18 kg.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 50 x 25 x 25 cm.
• Age suitability: Suitable for children aged 2 and over.
• Cleaning: Hand wash with mild sterilising detergent.
• Packaging: Supplied in a recyclable carton.
• Brand: Polydron (Giant Octoplay range).
• Polydron Product Code: 80-1000.
• Barcode (EAN-13): 5060164532446.

What's in the Box

• 20 x Giant Octoplay pieces (4 colours)
• 1 x Storage Pole

Total: 21 pieces. Colours may vary due to the use of recycled materials. A downloadable model guide is available free of charge from the Polydron website.

Compatibility

Compatible with XL Octoplay. Giant Octoplay pieces connect directly with the XL Octoplay range for extended construction play.

Care and Cleaning

Hand wash with mild sterilising detergent. Do not machine wash.

Safety and Age Suitability

Lightweight and safe for children aged 2 and over.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is Giant Octoplay Set 1?
  Giant Octoplay Set 1 is a 21-piece tactile construction set by Polydron, made from 100% recycled plastic for children aged 2 and over. The 20 Giant Octoplay pieces feature textured surfaces for sensory exploration and connect simply to build a wide range of models including animals, people, and vehicles. A storage pole is included for storage and play. Polydron describe it as an ideal starter set for 1 or 2 children in EYFS and nursery settings.
• What models can children build with Giant Octoplay Set 1?
  Children can build a person, dinosaur, dog, flower, horse, plane, fish, reindeer, and more using the same 20 pieces, reconfigured each time. The same set supports a wide variety of models, giving children variety and sustained engagement across many play sessions without additional pieces.
• What makes the Giant Octoplay pieces tactile?
  Every Giant Octoplay piece features a textured surface that Polydron describe as providing a sensory feel. This makes the set multi-sensory -- children engage with the texture of each piece as they handle and connect them, supporting tactile exploration alongside construction for children with SEND and learning differences.
• Is Giant Octoplay Set 1 suitable for children with SEND?
  Yes. The textured surfaces provide sensory engagement, the simple connection mechanism is accessible for children with developing fine motor skills, and the variety of recognisable models offers interest-led, motivating construction goals. These features make Giant Octoplay Set 1 a practical and purposeful resource for children with a range of general SEND and learning differences.
• What age is Giant Octoplay Set 1 suitable for?
  Giant Octoplay Set 1 is suitable for children aged 2 and over. Polydron describe it as an ideal resource for reception class in primary schools and for preschoolers at nurseries and kindergartens. The pieces are lightweight, durable, and measure 24 cm across, making them manageable for young children including those with developing fine motor skills.
• Is Giant Octoplay Set 1 suitable for use in a school or SEND setting?
  Yes. The set is well-suited to EYFS classrooms, reception provision, and SEND resource rooms. The textured surfaces, simple connection, and range of recognisable models make it a practical resource for both whole-class EYFS activities and targeted SEND intervention sessions for 1 or 2 children. It can also be used in outdoor learning areas.
• Can Giant Octoplay Set 1 be used at home to support a child with learning differences?
  Yes. The set is easy to use at home, indoors or outdoors. The simple connection mechanism and 24 cm pieces mean children with general SEND and learning differences can engage independently from age 2, and the variety of models keeps the activity fresh across many sessions. The included storage pole keeps all pieces tidy between uses.
• Is Giant Octoplay Set 1 compatible with other Polydron sets?
  Yes. Giant Octoplay Set 1 is compatible with the XL Octoplay range, allowing the set to be combined with XL Octoplay pieces for extended construction. The storage pole is included and can also be incorporated into play alongside the construction pieces.