Challenging Obstacles Challenge Children's Engergies
A playground make-over for a Milton Keynes school is channelling
energy and improving behaviour.
Over £20,000 has been spent on creating a new play
environment for Shepherdswell School, Springfield, filling almost
the entire playground with a wide range of equipment.
Staff, pupils, governors and parents are delighted with the
investment, which offers fun and excitement for all tastes and
abilities.
Head teacher of the school, Sandie Jenner, explained that
Shepherdswell, which caters for children aged four to seven, has
special departments for disabled children and children with
communication difficulties.
She said: “Playforce, the company that created the
playground, were brilliant. They adapted the design of the
equipment to suit the needs of all our pupils.
“Our aim was to make playtime a more purposeful and happy
time and we have definitely achieved that. The children adore it
and cheered when they were told it was ready to use. It’s a
super end result.”
Playforce is one of the UK’s leading providers of
playground equipment. The Wiltshire-based company prides itself on
the ability to design play areas that stimulate children’s
imaginations and improve social behaviour at the same time as
stretching and developing their muscles and co-ordination. The
children create their own games and magical worlds using the
Playforce obstacles as props and scenery.
The playground at Shepherdswell School now includes: a climbing
tower with rock climber, a fireman’s pole and play panels;
stepping posts, stepping trees, several log forests and a set of
toadstools, two play cabins and a play hut; a train with separate
carriages; a roller over bridge, ideal for wheelchairs; a balance
weaver; a stage area and a maze of seats.
The equipment and its layout was chosen and designed during
discussions between Playforce and staff, governors and pupils at
the school.
“The children just love it,” said Mrs Jenner.
“And we’ve already noticed that they are showing
greater respect for one another. They are better at taking
turns and sharing.”
More information about Playforce can be obtained from www.playforce.co.uk