St. Sampsons CE Primary School, Wiltshire

Phase one of a major playground development at St. Sampsons CE Primary School has given staff and pupils the inspiration to be active and healthy.

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Why did you want to develop your playground?

At St. Sampsons CE Primary School we are working towards achieving a Healthy School Status. A playground development with a range of equipment that encourages outdoor play and exercise was a perfect way to introduce a happy and healthy lifestyle to our children. We wanted an outdoor learning environment that could be developed over time and would incorporate the whole school’s ideas.

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

Playforce listened to exactly what we needed and helped us come up with a playground design that would help us work towards a Healthy School Status. They were more than happy to break down our development into three different phases. This meant that we could have the beginnings of an outdoor play area whilst raising money to pay for the rest.

[The children] tell us how much they love the playground and we have seen a great development in physical, imaginative, social, behavioural and emotional skills. On top of all of that, the children are having fun!

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

We are incorporating the new equipment into the academic daily routine and encouraging the children to use it during classes and play times. The space is being used by the pupils to learn and play in an environment that is fantastic for their health and well-being.

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

Although we are only at phase one of the development we are already beginning to see benefits for the children. They all tell us how much they love the playground and we have seen a great development in physical, imaginative, social, behavioural and emotional skills. On top of all of that, the children are having fun!

Can you share any best practice insights you’ve gained?

It’s really important to understand what the children want to see in their playground and to get them involved in the design process. It was our pupils that highlighted the need for new and varied playground equipment and they took an active part in the fundraising for the budget. They were keen to share their ideas and help develop ours.

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