New Playground Equipment Improves Quality of Play at Ferndale Infant School
After two years of fund-raising the pupils of Ferndale Infant School, Swindon, finally have an
exciting and challenging new timber trail in the outdoor playground.
The equipment is so popular with pupils, parents and staff, and has had such an impact on play times, that there are already plans to extend the fun by buying more.
Head teacher, Christine Griffin, said that she was delighted with the new playground equipment, which had an immediate impact on school life and was very grateful to everyone who had raised funds and the donation from the Bank of New York, which has its HQ in Swindon.
She said: "All the children are so excited and keen to use the timber trail they have to use if by rota, but when it is their turn they certainly take advantage the time they have.
"This installation was phase one of a plan to develop the school's outdoor playground area. We decided to start with an activity zone geared towards helping the children with balance, co-ordination and upper body strength.
"We've only had it a couple of weeks but it has already increased the quality of outdoor play and I've really noticed the children are using their upper bodies much more on this playground equipment.
"We used a local company, Playforce. They were fantastic. We have already booked them to mark out some games on the outdoor playground and to create an outdoor performance area."
The timber trail is made up of a balance weaver, Burma bridge, rock and roll log, stepping posts, stepping trees, swinging logs and climbing wall.
Fernadale school already has Swindon Healthy Schools Status and is soon to be assessed for national Healthy Schools Status. Mrs Griffin said she expected the new playground equipment would help towards achieving that.
