Edwalton Primary School set its sights on transforming outdoor play for its pupils

“Our children are learning how to play again, and it has been amazing for all of our staff to see.” Headteacher, Dan Graney, Edwalton Primary School

Edwalton Primary School has set its sights on transforming outdoor play for its pupils and has already seen success with positive feedback from both pupils and parents.

Dan Graney is the Head teacher of Edwalton Primary School, and he explained the motivation behind the playtime transformation. “Play takes up 1/5 of children’s time in primary school and as such is an important part of their development. Analysis and continuing professional development for playtime has been overlooked somewhat in schools, but we wanted to address this and make the most of that time to support our children in their health and wellbeing, as well as their ability to form healthy and helpful relationships with their peers.

“Our staff are trained in how to risk assess, play and interact with children, and the children also have a voice in what we provide. This change has not only made children happier, -they are excited every day by the prospect of outdoor play, -but behaviour and engagement in the afternoon has shown a marked improvement. Our children are learning how to play again, and it has been amazing for all of our staff to see. If anyone would like to come and visit our school, or other schools are interested in seeing how this works, I would be happy for them to contact the school.”

The new playtimes are designed with areas of interest for children including construction areas, gardening, balancing on logs as well as areas dedicated to problem solving and role playing.

Ruby is in year 3 and said, “Our playtimes are amazing!” Fellow year 3 pupil Athena said, “Our playtimes are, creative and exciting; every child has something to do now. Hammocks, the calm pods and pogo sticks are our favourites!”

Mrs Alex Cazabon is a parent governor at the school and observed the new playtime in action. She said, “From the moment I stepped into the playground, the atmosphere was electric; upbeat music filled the air, and laughter echoed across the vast outdoor space. Children of all ages played freely together, united in joy, curiosity, and imagination. It was a scene that could only be described as every child’s dream and a space that offered something for everyone.

“Children were building dens, climbing trees, playing table tennis, digging in the mud kitchen, bouncing on pogo sticks, enjoying a pretend trip to the hair salon and dressing up from the costume shed! Others were testing their balance on beams and logs, and every child was deeply engaged. There was even a dedicated gardening area and a Lego station. Everywhere I turned, I saw smiles, creativity, and collaboration. It was a powerful reminder of what childhood is meant to be.”