Exeter Road Primary School, Devon

The staff at Exeter Road Primary School wanted to find a way to incorporate more free flow play into the school day without using up a lot of space. They tell us how a new Poddely set has helped them bridge the gap between the classroom and the playground.

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Why did you want to develop your playground?

As free flow play is becoming an increasingly important part of the school curriculum, we wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between the classroom and the playground. We needed to encourage more movement indoors and outdoors without investing in fixed playground equipment or equipment that would take up a lot of space and require complex setting up.

What were the key elements that made Playforce stand out from other providers?

The Poddely sets from Playforce were the perfect solution for our school grounds. They are a fantastic design that is vibrant and innovative, we couldn’t find anything else like it from other providers. The team talked us through all the options available with a Poddely set and how to encourage our pupils to make the most of it. All we have to do is help them unpack it and the rest is up to their imaginations.

Children are approaching new challenges with innovative and imaginative thinking. Being able to move between the classroom and the playground has encouraged them to take part in more outdoor play, something that will benefit them greatly.

How are you using the space to deliver outdoor learning and educational play?

The uses of a Poddely set are unlimited and its flexibility has enabled us to incorporate free flow play into all areas of the curriculum. We have encouraged the children to create experiments for Sand and Water or build easels for Creative Drawing. The real fun starts at break times when the children unleash their imaginations. They create everything from racecars to castles. It’s fascinating to watch their ideas unfold into a reality.

What are the biggest benefits you have seen for the children?

Encouraging a little creative thinking has gone a long way. The problem solving and discovery skills they have developed from using the Poddely set have been transferred to their more academic subjects. They are approaching new challenges with innovative and imaginative thinking. Being able to move between the classroom and the playground has encouraged them to take part in more outdoor play, something that will benefit them greatly.

Can you share any practice insights you have gained?

Free flow play is a vital part of the school experience and there are alternatives for schools that don’t have much space. Never underestimate a child’s imagination, we’ve been amazed by the unique ways our pupils are using the Poddely set every day.

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