Teamwork Takes Play To New Heights

The children, staff and parents of Warren Road Primary School in Orpington, Kent, certainly exercised their minds as well as their bodies in raising money towards the refurbishment of one of their playgrounds. By organising a range of events over the year they managed to raise an astonishing £14,000 towards the installation of a range of trail equipment and safety surfacing, opened in autumn by the Mayor of Bromley. As well as supporting the PTA by turning up to the numerous events organised and spending their hard earned cash, the parents also contributed an amazing 92,000 Sainsburys Active Kids vouchers which the school put towards the equipment.

"The phenomenal hard work put in by the parents and staff has enabled the school to provide a challenging play area for children of all abilities that can be used all year round" Mrs Meckiff, Head Teacher of the large Kent Primary School, told those at the official opening of the playground. The children were so excited at the prospect of the new play area that they sang a song to celebrate the opening.

In addition to the colourful and innovative play equipment, the scheme also included an enhanced quiet area with shade providing pergolas and an elliptical stage with seating for both formal outdoor drama lessons and informal role-playing by pupils at breaks and lunchtimes. The children were involved in the project from the outset. A competition was held to design a playground with equipment that the children found stimulating and provided the best play value, rather than what just looked good.

Fawns worked in a consultancy capacity to ensure the children took into consideration the relevant guidelines, and transformed their ideas into vivid 3D designs that captured everyone's imagination. We then supplied and installed not just the equipment but also the wetpour safety surface, which provided the colour to stimulate the children's imagination. The area provides a forum for the children to exercise body and mind, enhancing hand to eye co-ordination and honing motor skills crucial to their development.

A 2004 N.O.P World study showed that improved school grounds lead to enhanced attitudes amongst pupils to learning, a dramatic increase in the numbers of children enjoying their time at school, a reduction in bullying, antisocial behaviour, accidents and long term improvements in children's health and wellbeing.  As a result of the PTA, pupils and staff working together, along with the support of the parents, it was a winning combination - Children enjoy an enhanced playtime experience, Teachers get a happy classroom ready to learn and Parents get healthy, if somewhat exhausted, sons and daughters at the end of the day.