Case study: Byron Wood Primary School
- Mrs Kathy Pearson, Director of Teaching & Learning

Byron Wood transforms its EYFS outdoor areas

BACKGROUND

The key focus at Byron Wood Primary School, Sheffield, was making sure the continuous provision extended outside the classroom. The outdoor provision was insufficient in both the nursery and Reception areas: in the nursery area, a plastic climbing frame stood in an area of wetpour, surrounded by tarmac. In the Reception playground, a couple of mini steel frames stood in wetpour, again surrounded by tarmac.

WHAT WAS NEEDED

One of the big issues in the nursery play area was that its use was totally dependent on the weather, as there was no shelter from the elements. The school decided that the absolute minimum they needed was a timber shelter, a trim trail and a track. They began getting quotes from various suppliers. “Pentagon stood out from the rest because they worked with us rather than tell us to have what we didn’t need or what we didn’t want – Andy listened to us and suggested what would actually work in the space available,” explains Kathy Pearson, Director of Teaching & Learning.

The large enclosed timber shelter now means the children can be outside in any weather – “We can now provide them with those outdoor play experiences which we couldn’t give them before” she adds. A low level trim trail meant the children would have some physical challenge by developing their balance on the beam, stretching across the log weaver and bouncing on the clatter bridge. In addition, Pentagon suggested a Saferturf roadway design could be placed in the other half of the quadrangle, enabling the children to cycle around on their tricycles and bikes. There was an upper level in the courtyard which was a little overgrown, but Pentagon thought an imaginative play area would be beneficial to complement the rest of the equipment. It was decided a wooden play house would suit perfectly and would stimulate the children’s imaginations.

HOW THE SCHOOL HAS BENEFITED

The school was so pleased with the first project for the nursery area that they wanted to proceed with the second phase in the Reception outdoor playground immediately. Here they chose a decked stage area, a climbing wall, a sand table, 3 mark making panels and a large play hut to be installed. At the other end, a story-telling chair and some colourful mushroom seats were placed to create a quiet corner. The feedback from the children and the parents has been amazing: “Even the older children want to come into the new areas to play!” comments Mrs Pearson. Zain, aged 6, adds “My favourite part is the climbing wall and the playhouse!” while Sunail, aged 5 “Loves the bikes best because she can go faster and faster!!”

THE SOLUTION

“As Director of Teaching & Learning, I have myself witnessed the difference in how the children are interacting and learning together. The outside provision is 100% better and we now provide them with a fantastic outdoor environment where they can explore their surroundings confidently and safely,” commented Mrs Pearson.