St Nicholas' CE Primary School

When the PTA at St Nicholas' CE Primary School contacted Playforce, they were looking for someone to help them develop their playground with equipment that encouraged their pupils to play outdoors at every opportunity. PTA member, Julie Vipond, tells us about their experience.
Why did you want to develop your playground?
Developing the playground was a key objective of the PTA for 2016 – we wanted to build on existing equipment and continue to foster the enthusiasm the children had for outside play and learning.

What were the key elements that made Playforce stand out from other providers?
Prior experience from previously installed equipment by Playforce made them an obvious choice; coupled with the excellent customer service and flexibility.
shadow
shadow
Excellent service and brilliant flexibility, including a last minute request during an extremely busy time – would certainly recommend!
How are you using the space to deliver outdoor learning and educational play?
The equipment was installed over the holiday period, but on the first day of term children were straight on to it to use it for their own enjoyment.  The equipment was chosen such that it would stretch them and ensure a good level of working with others and building trust, particularly on the more challenging pieces. 

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

In the short time it has been available for use, the children have instantly learned how to work with others to complete some of the pieces (e.g. the Up and Over Bars can work well if one person assists another to help ‘roll over the bar’).  They are incredibly excited and enthusiastically want to push themselves to complete some pieces they may not be proficient in, for example the Monkey Walk.
Can you share any practice insights you have gained?
Good communication with Playforce – they have the knowledge and expertise and are able to advise on what would work well and the overall layout and design.

Any other comments about your experience of working with Playforce?
A very enjoyable experience from phone conversations through to site visits; excellent service and brilliant flexibility, including a last minute request during an extremely busy time – would certainly recommend!
share!
shadow