Challenge

Shaw Education Trust approached eibe Play to help transform the KS1, KS2 and playing fields at Waterside Primary School in Stoke towards the end of the 2023 summer term.

Solution

eibe Play embarked on the design process with a focus on play value, creating areas for physical play, social play and sports with the aim of creating areas of play where all the equipment could be used throughout the year, and be suitable for children of all abilities and ages. This was achieved by using a range of surfacing solutions.

After presenting initial design concepts and making a few minor adjustments in collaboration with the school, eibe Play was commissioned to carry out the project.

The final design featured a timber circular trim trail. This unit has steel feet, eliminating the risk of roots in the ground. The trail consists of six sections, presenting the children with a variety of challenges for them to overcome. Mulch surfacing was laid around the equipment so that the children could climb on the unit safely throughout the year without getting muddy.

A multi-rig outdoor gym unit was installed on the school field, creating a space for children to exercise together. The equipment is used during play and lunch breaks, as well as for PE lessons. SuDs surfacing was used under the gym equipment so that it can be used in all weathers.

The SuDs surfacing was also used to create a Daily Mile Track (DMT) around the school field. Encouraging children to run a mile a day has been proven to aid their education back in the classroom, as well as keeping them fit and healthy. Waterside’s school field had been unusable in the winter months and the new DMT means that the children have a great space to run around, which has already decreased the number of accidents in the playground.

Two bespoke timber shelters were also included in the design. One of these was located on the school field with the SuDs surfacing underneath, and the other on the edge of the tarmac playground. This second shelter had artificial grass laid underneath, creating the perfect seating area for the children to sit and socialise.

The tarmac playground was upgraded by adding some new playground markings. These included a challenging activity trail and new basketball markings plus three new basketball hoops. The hoops were placed in a row, allowing children to practice and improve their shooting skills together.

New seating was also installed. A previous muddy triangle in the middle of the playground was transformed by adding timber benches and artificial grass, creating the ideal spot to sit and talk, and watch everyone enjoy the new playground around them. eibe also installed bespoke planter benches. These will allow children to sit and relax again while watching the flowers or vegetables they have planted grow.

Finally, at the request of the school, eibe built a timber and polycarbonate shelter panel. The existing shelter was only usable in the summer, as any wind would disrupt what was going on within the space. The new panel creates a sheltered spot, perfect for outdoor learning, that can be used throughout the year and in all weather conditions.

The installation was carried out during the autumn term. Communication between staff at the school and the installation team had to be perfect so as not to cause too much disruption. The children loved watching their new playground develop and grow and would often speak to the installers themselves for an update.

Outcome

The school is feeling the benefits of the upgrade. Behaviour in the classroom has improved, and the children are loving the new equipment, keeping them fitter and healthier.