“I never know what to do first” one little girl said to me the day we took these photographs.
It was only their third day at school but it was clear these reception year children loved all the new equipment and being busy outside. We watched as they happily took turns on apparatus and worked together to find out if it was possible to get all the water into the top tray of Splish!, Splash!, Splosh! Creative play through making marks on the chalk and white boards, making faces in the mirror (particularly funny) and making sounds on the musical instruments was actively encouraged by the enthusiastic teaching staff who were pleased to note that not only had the six areas of learning been addressed but that the children had so many opportunities for learning exploration. As the pond improves, is planted and possibly plays host to amphibious life, the children will be able to observe the changes as they take place. The inclusion of No Mow artificial grass to provide an all weather surface ensures the children can continue to enjoy being outside all year round.
Singing, learning, discussing and a host of other activities are planned for the gazebo – as you can see from the picture. So much to do.....
Area 2 - Quiet Area
Lansdowne Primary School, Sittingbourne. Another large but sad and under used area at this school has been transformed into both a light activity and quiet area complete with story-telling corner that will aid communication, language and literacy together with a buddy bench and a round the tree seat
One little boy was completely spellbound with the voice pipes, insisting on everyone having a go at the other end so he could prove that he could talk and they would hear him despite them being “miles” away. Actually they are about 6m apart. The activity trail is also very well used and having again covered the scruffy, worn ground with artificial grass only the worst weather will prevent the garden being put to good use all year round.
Area 3 - Activity Area
The huge, level playing field had a few pieces of equipment that we were able to add to and create a large, continuous adventure trail. This area now also boasts a fabulous rope swinger, an amazing rope pyramid and an aerial runway (zip wire) that is clearly a massive success. “We want the best play equipment and the best play areas” was the brief from head teacher, Debbie Wheeler. We think we have succeeded - and more importantly, so do the staff and children.
Safagrass was chosen to provide a safety surface under the units and will blend in beautifully once the grass has properly established.
Area 4 - Playground
The playground boasts an attractive bank with splendid, mature trees but was otherwise rather empty. The children now have an amphitheatre style stage with seating flanked on either side by a platform and stainless steel slide accessed by a new flight of steps; Wetpour safety surface was added to the run-off. At either end of the large, sheltered playground we have installed a ball wall (complete with ball hoop) that can be adapted to suit a host of various games. It was clear the children approved of these additions and make the very fullest use of them.
