Positive Play Grounds
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Positive PlayGrounds - a school based training programme has been assisting schools across Northern Ireland to re-examine their approach to their playground and to value it as an important space within the school estate.
Through the programme schools are developing strategies for encouraging physical and social development amongst children during playtime. For many children and young people, the school playground is the only space that represents an opportunity for them to engage in physically challenging outdoor play. Yet most school playgrounds are little more than flat uninspiring pieces of tarmac with no equipments or resources.
The training programme is aimed at the adults working in the school playground and is further enhanced by the development of children and young people's consultation and participatory methods (2 x 1hr sessions). The programme which can be run over one full day or over 4 x 2hr sessions includes exploring the importance of Play in the school environment, identifying the role of the adult in the playground, loose parts and imaginative prop ideas for the playground, wet playtimes, playground buddies/squads, playground needs assessment, behaviour management, action planning and way forward. Also included is a fun practical session where traditional and parachute games are played.
Feedback from participants involved in the Positive PlayGrounds training include:
- “I’ve loved learning games and I look forward to playing them with the children.” (PlayGround Supervisor)
- “I now enjoy my job, the children are more positive in the playground which makes my task easier!” (PlayGround Supervisor)
- “The fact that schools can implement changes without having to spend lots of money is a godsend. The ideas I’ve learnt on this course have been excellent.” (Deputy Head)
Schools who wish to find out more should contact Shauneen McCusker at PlayBoard. For a copy of Positive PlayGrounds Evaluation Report March 2008
Download a copy of the Positive PlayGrounds Evaluation Report, March 2008
