RAF High Wycombe launched a project to help integrate the armed forces and civilian communities at RAF High Wycombe. The project was to provide opportunities for integration and improve perceptions, attitudes and understanding between the two communities. With funds secured from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund – small grants programme, Sutcliffe Play’s SNUG kit formed an integral part of this project. The local schools, early years settings and event organisers were all consulted on the plans to bring SNUG to the local community.
RAF High Wycombe early years setting, The House at Pooh Corner, secured the funding to not only improve the outdoor play space at the centre, but to offer the SNUG play equipment on loan to the community.
Snug is portable, weather proof and requires no installation or safety surfacing, making it ideal for the project. It is soft and tactile yet robust enough to withstand the rigours of child play. Snug allows children to take control of their play and helps them to learn through physical and imaginative play.
The kit comprises of large scale, inter-related, colourful, flexible shapes which are easy to fit together and can be moved, locked or taken apart by children, used individually or together as part of a landscape.
Snug is designed to transform bleak spaces into dynamic and creative playscapes for children to explore, create, discover and learn, whilst stimulating natural exercise to expend energy.
“As SNUG is being used as mobile provision, the feedback from a variety of community groups has been very positive, from the local village fete, to BEN Club & AIRPLAY (youth groups funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund for children aged 5-19years) and our local Bumps & Babes and Toddler Group. All ages absolutely love the equipment.”
“SNUG has been very popular when ‘out & about’ in the community and has infinitely added to the play opportunities for local children of all ages. SNUG is about to be used in the local school fete and then will remain in situ until the end of term to enable all year groups in the school the opportunity to experience SNUG.”
“As a qualified and experienced play worker I am passionate about the SNUG kit and the play value of it.”
Danielle Bowman C2, Community Development Officer – RAF High Wycombe