Cockshutt CE Primary School, Shropshire

The old playground at Cockshutt CE Primary School was beginning to look a little tired and staff saw it as the perfect opportunity to transform it into something special. They tell us how their new outdoor space has improved exercise and active play.

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Why did you want to develop your playground?

We wanted to find a way to encourage sport at our school in an interesting way. Our playground was beginning to look tired so it seemed the perfect opportunity to solve both problems. Developing our playground allowed us to start from scratch, whilst still building on what we have, and create a vibrant and exciting space that would make active play fun and available throughout the school day.

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

We could instantly see that Playforce is passionate about fun, sport, health and creative play. We were impressed with the variety of equipment we could choose from for our playground and the team helped us choose the right combination for our space and needs. It was great to see how other schools have benefited from their playground developments and Playforce’s experience with these schools is evident in their professional and efficient manner.

Exercise used to be associated with predictable sports activities at our school but the new playground has changed everyone’s attitude towards getting active.

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

Our new playground has become a hub of activity and the children can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. We are now able to incorporate exercise into a wide range of activities across the curriculum, rather than just in PE lessons and team sports. Active play has become a routine part of the school day and the children’s enthusiasm towards it keeps growing.

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

Exercise used to be associated with predictable sports activities at our school but the new playground has changed everyone’s attitude towards getting active. The increased amount of exercise has benefited our pupils’ health and happiness, they are motivated and inspired by spending more time outdoors. The varying equipment caters for all ages and abilities and we’ve been really impressed by the way the children help out those that are less confident than themselves. Their social and behavioural skills are also reaping the benefits of the playground.

Can you share any practice insights you have gained?

At first we thought our new playground was simply going to be a space for exercising that was more fun but it has become a central part of our school day. The best way to encourage children to spend more time getting active is to make it exciting, approachable and available.

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