Case Study: Cricket Green School’s Eco Playground
SurreyChildren and staff at Cricket Green School were delighted to explore their new outdoor space, funded by Wooden Spoon.
The playground provides eco-friendly sensory play equipment designed to help young children with mild and complex learning difficulties engage in stimulating and inclusive outdoor play.
One of the teachers at the special school, Pheobe Bower, told us about the difference the eco playground has made: “It offers them a way to decompress and reset between lessons, so it is vital that the space is engaging and motivating enough that the children use it. Having lots of new, exciting playground equipment is also fantastic in terms of helping the children to develop key skills, such as their communication, sharing and turn-taking, as well as an awareness and care for their environment.”
“Spaces such as the playground are great for fostering creativity in our children – from role play games in the teepee to experiencing composing melodies using the instruments available. It has encouraged the children to try new things and challenge themselves, as well as encourage independence and problem-solving skills, like when considering how to climb up and get down from the climbing frame. The children are also more excited to go to playtime and there is an increase in the physical activity outside which also has many health benefits. It’s incredibly important to receive funding from Wooden Spoon – without it, none of this would have been possible.”
Teacher, Pheobe Bower: “It has encouraged the children to try new things and challenge themselves, as well as encourage independence and problem solving skills.”