Case study: Cirencester Primary School
- Mr Horton, Head Teacher

Amalgamated Cirencester school is
thrilled with new playground equipment

BACKGROUND

Cirencester Primary School opened in September 2010 under the Headship of new Head teacher Mr Graham Horton, as the amalgamation of the Cirencester Infant & Junior Schools.

Since all the children knew about the ‘closure’ of their schools in the run up to the end of last year, it was important for them to feel that the closure was not a negative event, but the start of something new and better for them. The buildings at the school date back to between 1880 and 1970, with the Juniors being housed in what was the original Grammar School. The head wanted the children to look forward to the re-opening of the school knowing that it was fresh and exciting and fit for the 21st century. The school playground in particular would become the focus for some fabulous improvements which the children would notice straightaway and make a real difference to their perception of the school on their first day back.

WHAT WAS NEEDED

In order to create a real impact and raise the quality of outdoor play Mr Horton contacted various different playground equipment companies to start getting some quotes together. “The consultant who came from Pentagon, Fran Brown, was head and shoulders above the rest,” said Graham Horton. “She listened carefully to what I had in mind, made suggestions and added value throughout the visit and tour of the school” he added.

With their wide experience in school playgrounds nationwide, Pentagon were able to crystallise ideas and suggest a fantastic new scheme which the school could implement in stages, when the funds would be available. The head teacher was left to mull things over for a while in order to try to prioritise what was most important for the school, bearing in mind the lack of start-up budget available.

THE SOLUTION

“The result is that the children are now enjoying the playground they deserve!”, commented Mr Horton as he described the playground equipment which has been installed over the Summer break. There are now 2 play houses which are set in a large area of Saferturf. This safety surface is bright and colourful and allows children to ride around on their scooters and tricycles, following the roadway and the roundabout. Underneath the existing canopy area, the children now have a large covered sandbox to play in as well as a beautiful water play table which tips water down a shoot.

“It’s really great now!” said Joshua, Year 2 pupil as he hid inside the playhouse with his friends. The new zoned playground has been a hit with all the children and they can’t wait to get outside at break times.