SPORTS & PLAY
Imaginative play zone It is important to encourage creativity from a very young age and one of the best ways to do this in the playground is to create a zone for imaginative play . This zone can include playhouses , pirate ships , wooden trains , tunnels , ‘ castle ’ play towers and much more . These are ideal for stimulating role play and firing the imagination .
Messy play zone A highly popular element of many nurseries and infant school playgrounds , messy play areas are designed to stimulate children ’ s creativity and sensory exploration while offering endless hours of fun . They are also great for getting children to play together .
These zones can include sand pits , water play tables , mud kitchens and art stations . Surfaces like resin bound gravel or wetpour provide a forgiving base for these activities , making it easy to clean up afterwards .
Outdoor classroom zone Taking learning beyond its traditional setting , an outdoor classroom provides a dynamic environment for hands-on education . This can be created by installing features like class-sized octagonal shelters , seating areas , outdoor desks and whiteboards .
Today , there is a growing range of curriculum-focused equipment for outdoor classroom use , including a large selection of interchangeable learning boards . Subject-specific items are available for maths , English , science , geography , history , art , design and technology , music , drama , dance and languages . There are also resources for crosscurricular activities .
Quiet nature zone A tranquil and natural environment offers a calming retreat for students . They are ideal places for small groups to sit and chat together and can be a safe haven for children with SEND . These areas can incorporate elements such as gardens , flower beds , trees and seating areas , or in schools with no natural space , they can be created using artificial grass , fences , planters and trellises .
In addition , these spaces can also be used for teaching science . Installing butterfly boxes , bug houses and bird feeders encourages wildlife into the spaces , while there is a variety of science equipment that can be installed , including exploration tables , discovery planters and growing boards , to learn about plant growth and soil life .
Sports zone A dedicated sports zone encourages physical activity and fosters teamwork among pupils . With active
participation , this can be beneficial to both the physical and mental health of pupils . A well-equipped sports zone can also double up as both a play area and an outdoor resource for teaching PE .
Sports courts and pitches can be affordably created through the installation of playground markings , and these can be embellished with basketball hoops , football goals and various other equipment . When it comes to surfacing , artificial grass or recycled rubber wetpour surfacing are ideal as they provide a safe and durable surface for running , jumping and playing sports .
Modern school playgrounds have transformed into multi-purpose spaces that go beyond traditional play areas . By designing and incorporating different zones , schools can provide pupils with opportunities for physical activity , imaginative play , nature exploration and interactive learning .
For information on the design , build and equipment you need for a playground see www . espplaygrounds . co . uk or www . espplay . co . uk
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