A primary school in Liverpool has created an outdoor environment that offers its pupils a multitude of ways to encourage greater levels of engagement and co-operative play.
The Issue
Our Lady Immaculate RC Primary School had a very large outside play area for its pupils, comprising upper and lower playgrounds. Although ideal to run around on, the space was completely open to the elements and there were no facilities to stimulate the children into more creative play or learning.
The Resolution
Mrs Brody, head teacher, wanted to create a number of outside play and teaching areas to provide a stimulating playground environment that would facilitate imaginative play and learning.
The school wanted to provide a ‘WOW’ factor and Mrs Brody developed a wish list of the things she wanted incorporated, such as a shaded area to protect the children from the sun and an outdoor teaching area.
The Process
Three playground equipment companies were briefed and asked to provide proposals. The final decision on who to appoint came down to the children and they chose Sovereign because they found the pictures of the play equipment the most appealing. The consultative planning process began with teachers, parents and pupils asked for input, feedback and recommendations on the facilities required.
The result was a very specific wish list including; an area for children to sit and talk with their friends, a games area, a quiet area, a play house, a colourful play area and outside learning area. Three sets of plans were drawn up, with each version discussed, tweaked and enhanced, until the final plans were in place and work could begin.
The Installation
Over a period of time several distinct areas were set up:
The Outside Learning Area:
Situated in the upper playground, this space was aimed specifically at the foundation pupils aged 4-5 and included clearly defined spaces to accommodate several groups of children and activities.
Sub-areas included:
A Literacy Area: with a story telling chair and imaginative toadstool seating positioned under a pergola casting dappled shade. Artificial grass adds a sensory, calming surface.
A Quiet Area: consisting of simple wooden benches and further toadstool seating positioned around a graphic playground marking of a pond.
Drape Posts: very simple versatile posts from which cord can be linked, offering the opportunity for den making, washing-line activities and music making.
Magnetic Wall Boards and Ground Markings: playground markings chosen with care to be versatile; e.g. the spot circle with a centre spot, which can be used as a human clock, for spelling games and even to learn French words.
The Amphitheatre:
The head wanted to enhance the existing area with something bold and creative. The ground surface was replaced with artificial grass to provide a more practical, all year round surface. To frame the area and provide a ‘WOW’ factor, Sovereign installed a multi-coloured sail canopy, which also provides an effective sun shade.
Lower Playground:
A bright and colourful play area on the lower playground was created by dividing it into two sections with large colourful pencils. On one side is a quiet imaginary play zone with a large wooden play lodge and imaginative playground markings. The other side is a more traditional playground with room for the pupils to ride on their trikes and bikes.
Sub-areas included:
A Literacy Area: with a story telling chair and imaginative toadstool seating positioned under a pergola casting dappled shade. Artificial grass adds a sensory, calming surface.
A Quiet Area: consisting of simple wooden benches and further toadstool seating positioned around a graphic playground marking of a pond.
Drape Posts: very simple versatile posts from which cord can be linked, offering the opportunity for den making, washing-line activities and music making.
Magnetic Wall Boards and Ground Markings: playground markings chosen with care to be versatile; e.g. the spot circle with a centre spot, which can be used as a human clock, for spelling games and even to learn French words.
The Amphitheatre:
The head wanted to enhance the existing area with something bold and creative. The ground surface was replaced with artificial grass to provide a more practical, all year round surface. To frame the area and provide a ‘WOW’ factor, Sovereign installed a multi-coloured sail canopy, which also provides an effective sun shade.
Lower Playground:
A bright and colourful play area on the lower playground was created by dividing it into two sections with large colourful pencils. On one side is a quiet imaginary play zone with a large wooden play lodge and imaginative playground markings. The other side is a more traditional playground with room for the pupils to ride on their trikes and bikes.
The Results
- The school has achieved its objective in providing a stimulating environment, in which the pupils can benefit greatly from non-classroom based learning and creative play.
- Practical benefits include, seating areas, shaded areas, protection from wind and rain and a mud-free ground surface.
- The environment is colourful, stimulating and has WOW factor. The parents, teachers and pupils all benefit from these enhancements.
”June Russell, the Area Manager for Sovereign has been outstanding throughout the whole process – as has the whole team. They have put a huge amount of time and effort into getting it just right.
Mrs BrodyHead Teacher, Our Lady Immaculate RC Primary School.
