New Timber Trail for Shardlow Primary School
When the children of Shardlow Primary School asked for new playground equipment they just wanted to make playtime more fun. But whilst they enjoyed the new timber trail, the youngsters have also developed some admirable social skills and have become so much more alert in the classroom they are improving academically as well.
"It's fantastic," said Elaine Bainbridge, head teacher of the small village school in London Road, Shardlow. "We have seen such big changes in the children. Even though they are exercising more during break and lunch times they are so much more energetic and alert in the classroom.
"We allowed the children to play a major role in managing the project. They helped with fund-raising and design. It was a good decision. We always have a member of staff supervising them as they play, but the children have taken responsibility for the playground equipment themselves - even working out a set of rules that ensure they all get a chance to enjoy it safely."
Key School Council member Daisy Kelsey explained that the new outdoor play equipment has made play times much more fun.
Zoe Hart, School Liaison Officer said: "The yard is very small and we have no school hall. The timber trail has helped us with agility, it's fun to play on and it keeps us warm and busy at playtime. We are all really impressed and enjoy playing on it."
The timber trail includes a balance weaver, a burma bridge and swinging logs. The playground makeover also included a covered pergola with seating, which serves as a much-needed shaded area, a picnic area and an outdoor classroom.
The playground equipment was supplied and installed by Playforce, a Wiltshire-based company that prides itself on designing playground equipment to exercise both minds and bodies whilst stimulating social and imaginative development.
It replaced a listed WW2 air raid shelter that had previously dominated the outdoor playground. Mrs Bainbridge explained that the school had spent many years working with the local community and the district council to have it demolished. The end result has delighted everyone involved.
