Oakthorpe Primary School, London

In order to bridge the gap between the classroom and the playground, Oakthorpe Primary School introduced a Poddely set to their daily routine. They tell us how free flow play has benefited their pupils.

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Why did you want to develop your playground?

As a school we’re always working together to find new and interesting ways to bring play to the classroom and the playground. Currently we’re trying to deliver more free flow play to our pupils and have been looking for equipment that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. We want them to see the playground as an extension of the playground and have the flexibility to move between the two when it is appropriate.

What were the key elements that made Playforce stand out from other providers?

Playforce’s website and brochure really stands out from the rest. It’s vibrant and exciting, the children loved looking through it with us to find a solution for free flow play. When we spotted the Poddely sets we knew we had found the perfect match. It would enable us to deliver free flow play in a new and fun manner, bridging the gap between outdoors and indoors.

To make the most of the equipment, the children have to put their problem solving skills into practice and we have seen a great development in their logical approaches to challenges.

How are you using the space to deliver outdoor learning and educational play?

We have made the effort to incorporate the Poddely set across the curriculum. We use it during lessons to add variety to our learning and at break times it becomes the centre of play for the children. The flexibility of the set means that we can use it to create something as simple as a work surface or as complex as an interactive marble run.

What are the biggest benefits you have seen for the children?

However we use the Poddely set it always inspires creative thinking in our pupils and staff. To make the most of the equipment, the children have to put their problem solving skills into practice and we have seen a great development in their logical approaches to challenges. These developments are reflected across the board and it’s encouraging to see them so inspired and motivated by something new.

Can you share any practice insights you have gained?

It’s important to let the children explore the set for themselves. We were advised to give them some hints and tips to set them on their way and the rest was left up to their imaginations. We’ve been very impressed with their creativity and we can’t wait to see what else they use their Poddely set to create.

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