Admiral Play’s natural approach will help Essex foundation-stage children
Staff at an Essex primary school are encouraging their foundation stage children to take part in more 'natural play' to help develop creativity and imagination and improve their physical wellbeing. St Teresa’s School in Dagenham has just unveiled a nature-inspired workspace for its nursery and reception children.
The workspace play area, which forms an important part of the foundation stage curriculum, was created by natural play specialist Admiral Play which provides play spaces and sensory gardens for schools, nurseries and local authorities. St Teresa’s play area offers exciting activities such as planting beds where the children can grow their own vegetables and flowers, a tunnel, play garage and painted river. There are areas where they can create their own dens, a pergola threaded with grape vines, a fruit tree and a sensory garden to add even more natural elements to the scheme.
The school used its own funds and a government grant, aimed at developing educational facilities for foundation stage youngsters, to pay for the revamped £24,000 workspace. Children and staff at the school decided they wanted as many different play options as possible in a relatively small space and wanted the finished result to help develop creativity and imagination as well as improving the children’s physical wellbeing. They also wanted more natural materials so the space would evolve and grow over time.
Headteacher, Maureen Cosgrave, said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide the children with such an exciting workspace.”
Admiral Play, which has an impressive track record of work with schools and nurseries across the UK, combines natural products with carefully chosen play equipment to provide a balance between safety and enjoyment. For those who need a less active environment with quieter surroundings, Admiral Play also designs sensory gardens as separate spaces or as part of larger play areas. Simon Cashmore, MD of Admiral Play said: “Our aim is to design and build exciting, inspirational places where children love to go and where parents and teachers are happy to take them.” For more information on Admiral Play visit www.admiralplay.co.uk or phone Simon Cashmore on 01604 821843.