Sutcliffe Play South West has worked with Willows C of E Primary School in Stratford on a £100,000 play project that has revitalised the school’s outdoor playspace. The play equipment was installed as part of a major refurbishment programme at the school which also includes the building of four new classrooms, a purpose built library and administrative block.
Janis McBride, Head Teacher says: “We involved the children in the decision making process as we felt it was very important that they are proactive in the development of their own environment.
“The outdoor equipment has been carefully chosen to allow the children to challenge themselves physically and to encourage them to take risks in a safe environment.”
The project took place over four phases and included the installation of Sutcliffe Play’s Mission play equipment.
Janis adds: “We had already decided on new play equipment but then we visited the PlayFair exhibition and fell in love with Mission so we changed suppliers!”
Mission is designed to encourage high energy invigorating play that focuses on climbing, traversing and descending in unique ways. It features varying degrees of challenge, interspersed with resting surfaces and glides. Its key features include ropes & nets, spring platforms, flexi rings, zip wire and climbing wall.
The school has also installed a trim trail which is designed to complement Mission and create exciting circuits for children to complete.
Natural play elements including oak sleepers and sandpits have also been installed alongside a long jump and high jump which increases opportunities for physical play to keep children fit and active.
Janis concludes: “We’re delighted with the new play equipment. The children have been finding new ways to play with it every day and we believe its play value will continue for many years to come.”