Playground Equipment Challenges and Improves School Life at Studfall Primary School

A challenging timber trail has added an extra dimension to the curriculum of a Northamptonshire junior school outdoor playground.The timber trail, fitted by Playforce, the premier provider of school playground equipment, has proved a huge success with both staff and pupils as it makes playtime more fun for them all.

"We are very happy with the new playground equipment," said Kim Kirchin, head teacher of Studfall School, Corby.

"We have 16 classes at the school and they use it in rotation. Since it was installed I am constantly asked: 'When will it be our turn?' or 'How many days is it to go before its our go again?' And the benefits are very clear to see after children have had 30 minutes of good challenging physical activity. I just wish we had done it years ago."

Playforce consultant, Sam Flatman, was invited to meet with the school council, staff and members of the PTA at the end of last school year and the brief was very clear.

"I was asked to find playground equipment that would provide a range of challenges to develop skills including balancing, climbing, co-ordination and upper-body strength on an all-weather surface," said Sam.

"It wasn't a problem, the whole philosophy behind Playforce outdoor play equipment is that it provides the perfect platform to exercise children's bodies and imagination. Playforce provides the setting and that inspires the children to create the rest of the story."

The end result is a timber tail that includes a Burma bridge, a rock and roll log, swinging logs, a hanging rope traverse, a climbing wall, a balance weaver, a web traverse and stepping posts.

Money for the children's playground came from three sources - fundraising activities organised by staff, pupils and parents, a donation from Priors Hall Golf Club in Weldon, and a grant from local group, The Excellence Cluster, that recognises how much outdoor playground equipment of this quality can help with children's behaviour and development.

The only children left disappointed by the new playground equipment were those who helped with the design and fund-raising but moved on to senior school before it was installed, but Mrs Kirchin said she will be inviting them all back to have a special go on the timber trail as a thank you for their assistance.