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

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