Its natural to want inspiration
25 June 2018
We can’t quite believe that we’re over half way through Nature Month. We’ve had special offers and shared bags and bags of learning resource ideas. We’ve even launched three creepy, crawly, climby new products with a natural theme.
But we know how important it is to see how other schools are integrating the natural world, within their play space - sometime in challenging outdoor areas. Here are four of our favourite case studies that show how the ‘nature month’ theme can work for you.
Woolston Church of England Primary School
Woolston CE Primary School’s KS1 and KS2 play area was in need of redevelopment. The current grassed space contained only a small shelter, and with 90 children of different ages needing to access and use the space throughout the day, the school asked Playforce for some help. The final design offered the pupils a quiet area to read, make music, garden, and discover the world of worms! Products used included an L-shaped Fun Grow Seating Planter, our Mini-Beast Exploration Table, Worm World Discovery and our Ready-to-Play Woodland Cabin with Porch.
Radcliffe Hall Church of England Methodist Primary School
Eager to reduce disruption and maximise impact, Radcliffe Hall Primary School took advantage of Playforce’s finance option, and the results are spectacular. Radcliffe Hall wanted to redevelop a small strip of grassy space to create an outdoor space which encouraged learning and discovery. Understanding the world was a key learning outcome they wanted to meet. There are so many different elements that encourage this - from the Worm World Discovery, to the Weather Station and the large, yet manageable, bespoke planting area with seating.
West Rainton Primary School
The Primary School took over the nursery from private providers in September 2016 and the outdoor area was in desperate need of a facelift. The outdoor areas in the EYFS spaces are used to gather evidence on child-initiated role play, physical development, problem solving and communication skills. The suggestions and changes made needed to get the best return on this objective, as well as providing lots of fun! To get the children engaging with nature and learning about the natural world, products installed included Hump Back Hill and Creative Drawing Stage.
Hadrian Park Primary School
The new playground at Hadrian Park Primary School has provided the staff and pupils with an innovative way to combine outdoor learning with educational play. The Storyteller Chair has been used by staff and pupils to recite everything from ghostly tales to imaginative poetry. The Humpback Bridge and Tunnel is always in use and the children love to run around, inventing new games together. An L-shaped Fun Grow Seating Planter has also got children growing their own food and learning about the creepy crawly, wiggly things that help to contribute to the process.
We’re always happy to share our ideas and experience, in helping you to create the perfect outdoors space. If you’d like to book a consultation with one of our expert consultants, please click here.
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