How to make a playground project work following COVID-19

With so many months of disruption it would be understandable if you were thinking just getting children back to school was achievement enough. Why would you want to make life harder for yourselves and even consider doing a playground development project? But in simply battening down the hatches and working with what you’ve got, we think you’re missing a real opportunity for engaged learning, for your children.

With social distancing posing challenges for pretty much every school and teacher, we think using and developing outside space is the perfect solution. Here are our top five ways you can get the best from your outdoor space as we work to move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic:

If there’s one thing we think you should consider introducing to your outdoor space this autumn it’s an outdoor classroom. We have all sorts of options, depending on space and budget. Some are even large enough to take a whole class outdoors, like this Extended Octagonal Shelter with 11 Panels & Benches. Even with social distancing it’s big enough for twenty children to take their lessons outdoors!
 
Book a term-time installation

We think term-time installations are a great way of getting the fastest return on your project, as well as an opportunity to engage children in the process. Not only do them mean that you can children playing on new equipment as quickly as possible, we can schedule it for the next available slot (rather than having to wait several weeks for the holidays). As the school is open and functioning, there is no need to arrange for a school contact to be available on site through the installation during their holidays. This also means that should any issues or questions arise once the installation starts they can be discussed and resolved straight away. And best of all… a term-time installation is opportunity to use the project as a learning opportunity for pupils. Playforce even provides a set of themed learning resources for your teachers to use whilst the installation is in progress. Many of our customers have commented on how beneficial this has been for the children. Don’t worry though, we have put in place lots of safety measures to ensure that our installation teams work within Government guidelines in terms of social distancing and hygiene. You can contact us any time to find out about these, and we’ll be releasing more information soon.

 

If you don’t think you have the space for an outdoor classroom - or indeed the time to have it installed - we have a speedy solution for any outdoor space. We have a whole range of ready to play outdoor furniture - like this Project Table -  that can be delivered for immediate use, with very little ‘putting together’ required. And if you have a bit more time (or are looking for something a bit more integrated in your design - take a look at our larger installed range of outdoor tables, desks and benches.

We understand that the new measures for social distancing create challenges for drop-off and pick-up time, as well as when children are waiting to have their turn on play equipment. That’s why our range of shelters is worth considering for this autumn… particular as the weather closes in. We particularly love this Timber Rectangular Shelter Polycarbonate Roof and the Hexagonal Shelter with Mineral Felt Roof.

 

We know you’ve probably talked about social distancing a lot, recently, but don’t forget… we have a fantastic range of markers for your outdoor (and indoor) spaces. These thermoplastic markers are provided in a range of packages so there's something to suit everyone. Find out more here.

At Playforce we work hard to involve children in playground projects - everything from designing it to installations. We’ve published a whole range of resources and information on how we do this here.

And don’t forget that we’re taking bookings right through to November at the moment… so contact us today to book your slot!

It can be really hard to know which playground company to trust… and the temptation to decide based on cost is all too great. So, how should you decide who to book a consultation with? Read our tips on how to choose your playground company.

We’ve worked with enough School Business Managers across the UK to know that the number one worry is how to fund - and get best value from - a playground development project. Here are our suggestions for funding your playground project.

Anyone that works with Early Years knows the positive effect active play can have on a young child’s physical and emotional development.  But introducing Early Years elements, to a play area supporting a wide range of ages, can be tricky. So, what do you need to include in your outdoor space to help Early Years children get the best, most active learning and developmental experience? Let’s use the Seven Areas of Learning as our guide and take them each in turn…

We’ve gathered together 3 top tips from our playground designers for making sure your outdoor space creates that interest without breaking the bank. Read more here.