Work Hard Play Hard, a New Timber Trail at Flyford Flavell First School

New playground equipment at a Worcestershire school is helping pupils work harder and
achieve more in the classroom.

Staff at Flyford Flavell First School, Worcester, are delighted with the new timber trail fitted by Playforce, the leading provider of school playground equipment and they have noticed the extra challenge outside has helped the children rise to the challenge inside as well.

Head teacher of the school in Radford Road, Debra Yarnold, said in the short time since the childrens playground equipment was installed it has had a positive effect on school life. Outdoor playground behaviour has improved with an increase in respect, physical development has obviously improved, concentration levels have increased, the playground equipment has clearly stimulated the children's imagination and the children are performing better in lessons.

"Part of the Government's healthy schools initiative is designed to make sure children achieve their potential," said Debra Yarnold.

"We feel that exercising the body is also about exercising the brain. Playing should include more than just running around or playing ball. It is extremely important to have lots of outdoor playground equipment available for the children at play times and that is exactly what Playforce has provided us with."

Wiltshire-based Playforce prides itself on the ability to design outdoor play equipment areas that stimulate children's imaginations and improve social behaviour at the same time as stretching their muscles. The children create their own games and magical worlds using the Playforce timber trail obstacles as props and scenery. Each item is designed to provide much more than just fun.

Flyford's new timber trail includes a tyre twister, for developing essential sports skills; a balance weaver, for promoting balance; swinging logs for upper body strength; a Burma Bridge, for hand-eye co-ordination and a rope walk for co-operative play and upper body strength. All Playforce playground equipment stimulates role play.

The timber trail was paid for by money raised by the school's Parents Association. It was designed by the school council, which Mrs Yarnold said was an extremely important decision.

"The children value the playground equipment and seem to feel more valued themselves because they created it," she said. "They absolutely love it and so do I and the rest of the staff. It has made a difference."