As the school year draws to a close, we have been reflecting on our playground and the changes that have happened during this academic year. The outside space is hardly recognisable from this time last year and the children give the new provision a big thumbs up.

At the beginning of the year, we listened to the children during our parliament assemblies and they complied a wish list to improve our playground. The wanted the opportunity to climb so we installed the three clamber stacks and the tree stumps. They requested the opportunity to have areas to sit and to read. We created the Mindfulness zone under the big tree and added picnic tables to the playground with baskets of books so the children had these quiet areas if they needed them. They wanted more areas to explore so we created our own Fielding Forest where the children build dens, explore wildlife and discover nature throughout the week. We jazzed up the pirate ship adding tunnels and surrounding it with sand and adding buckets and spades so they can take of the life of pirate. During the summer term we introduced our own Gaga pit, an idea brought over from America, which the children love. A simple game that supports the development of teamwork, determination and fairness. More of our children are joining in the lunchtime QPR sessions and enjoying the number of zones set up for them to enjoy. You will even find Mr Dunmall occasionally outside challenging to the children to a ping-pong match.

So what next? The children have been busy sharing their ideas of where we could take our playground in the new school year. We will bring you an update in the new term.