In our last blog we told you about some new products we have coming out to help your children learn about and explore the natural world. We have some amazing Ready to Play products just perfect for encouraging squirrels, birds and mini-beasts to consider your playground ‘home’.
But what if you want to do more than that? Here are four of our favourite ‘nature’ case studies to get you inspired as we head into spring!
Brierly Forest Primary School
The outside area had been neglected over the years and as well as being unsafe was also uninspiring, with little to promote children’s development. Many children go into Brierly Forest’s foundation stage without many outdoor experiences. They wanted an area that fostered independence and would inspire the imagination. The children now benefit from different outdoor areas to generate curiosity, problem solving skills and independence. The wild area, in particular, has been great for insect hunt and for building dens. The children have planted seeds and plants as well as growing their own vegetables, which they then used to make soup. Read more...
Kings Hill Primary School
The project team at Kings Hill Primary School wanted to create a unique, flowing play space, that offered a natural look and feel, specifically designed for Reception aged children. The equipment and surfacing where carefully chosen to help promote both physical and imaginative play opportunities. Sensory pathways guide the children to different zones within the play space whilst also leading to the central brick paved and decked garden area that even comes complete with a water pump and space to grow plants and vegetables! Read more...
Woolston CE Primary School
Whilst the school had a clear vision on what they wanted to achieve, their openness to different ideas meant a grand scheme could be created to demonstrate the space’s full potential. This enabled the school to select elements of the design which were a priority, and then consider a phased installation for the remaining equipment. The final design offered the pupils a quiet area to read, make music, garden, and discover the world of worms! The design followed a natural enchanted garden theme to create a calming area in which the children could learn about the world around them. Read more...
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 was designed around the 7 keys areas of learning, allowing the children to develop their learning outside. In particular one area the project really succeeds with is in understanding the world. There are so many different elements that encourage this, from the Worm World Discovery, to the Weather Station and the large yet manageable planting area. Read more…
We’d love to hear your plans for learning outdoors this spring! You can contact us or post your photos on Facebook. We’d particularly love to see some pictures of the animals, birds and insects living in your playground this year!