Active playtimes ahead for St Mary’s Early Years

One of the ways to effectively utilise your PE & Sport Premium funding is to install outdoor play equipment that will encourage pupils to be more physically active every single playtime. The Government recommends embedding physical activity into the school day by having active playgrounds. Playdale has many equipment ranges (including Adventure Trail, On The Road and Climbing as featured here) that are the perfect way to ‘activate’ school playgrounds and will benefit large numbers of children at schools over many years!

The Early Years and Key Stage 1 children at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Ulverston had a large tarmac play area to let off steam in but not really any equipment. Class 1 teacher Lena Parker told us that their little ones very much loved to climb and like all children in this stage also enjoy any role play opportunities. So we looked at and discussed a few ranges and equipment types that we thought would fit the bill and suit the age range (approximately 4-7).

Following a design and consultancy meeting with Lena and a full site survey, a list of equipment and safety surfacing was agreed upon. We then set to work on the design and quotation proposal, the order was placed and a few weeks later the new equipment and wet pour safety surfacing were installed.

It’s a well-known fact that as well as being fun, physical activity is not a break from learning, it’s an investment in improving academic performance. It’s vital that children’s heart rates are being raised on a daily basis, in addition to the PE lessons that are part of the curriculum.

As you can see from the video and photos the end result is fantastic and the children are loving it! They have a fun-filled playground that will keep them active, challenge a number of their skills and make sure they have lots of fun.

Laura Byrne, Deputy Headteacher told us, “We really want to support and promote a healthy lifestyle for all our children. This new equipment means that the children can be challenged, learn together and have fun. Completing the activities gives them a great sense of achievement. We find Playdale equipment to be safe, cost-effective and vibrant. The children get so much pleasure from it.”

Find out more about our range of educational playground equipment by clicking here.

If you would like any free help or advice with your playground project don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation appointment with your local Playdale Area Manager. We look forward to hearing from you!