Case study: DEE POINT Primary School – David Williams, Head Teacher

Playground Equipment helps bring
Dee Point Primary to “Outstanding”!!

BACKGROUND

“It was not always like this”, says Dave Williams, Head Teacher,
when we meet. He joined Dee Point Primary School, in Blacon, Chester, in Sept 2004 when the picture was rather more gloomy than today. “Children were not the focus, the environment was poor and the quality of the provision was inadequate”. This was, in fact, recognised by Ofsted in their report in March 06 when they gave Dee Point ‘Notice to improve’.

Since then, the relationship between Pentagon and Dee Point has grown from strength to strength and new equipment has been installed at the school each year.

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND FACILITIES

The aim of adding new outdoor playground equipment was to give children something to be proud of, something to care for and respect. Prior to this, they did not have ownership of the school, “it was just where they came every day”. It also increased and enhanced learning and play opportunities and encouraged physical exercise overall.

Initially, to the delight of the children, a tyre park was added to the field, which tested their physical abilities, in particular their gross motor skills such as balancing and jumping skills. This was followed by an extensive  timber trim trail to develop the children’s mental skills as well as physical abilities, such as hand-to-eye coordination. The school then wanted to improve its outdoor learning provision and commissioned an outdoor classroom in the form of a Gazebo, which is currently used by KS1 &KS2. The gazebo is also used at break times when children choose to have quiet time. Footballs lovers weren’t forgotten either, when Pentagon suggested adding some goal targets and ball shoots.

FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage was then treated to a makeover of their play area, comprising of a large timber canopy over the classroom doors encouraging free-flow between indoor/outdoor play areas and a driving track for children to cycle around, designed in safety surfacing. This encouraged physical activity as well as being a fun way to introduce basic road awareness. Some musical instruments were installed as a means of learning sounds and music along with some mushroom & tree seating for quiet story time in the shade of the trees. A fabulous covered sandpit was included too to help with their creative development as well as with social and cooperative play.

HOW THE SCHOOL HAS BENEFITED

Head teacher of the school, Dave Williams, said the whole school has benefited from the progressive outdoor playground improvements, which has made every day a fun day at Dee Point. “I am truly delighted to have quality playground equipment, which has enhanced the learning and playing opportunities greatly for all our pupils. From the youngest to the oldest there is something to challenge them!”

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Most recently, the school has added some fantastic picnic tables for children to congregate around at playtime or even for some of the KS2 children to have their packed lunches when the weather allows it.

Pentagon is a company dedicated to designing outdoor playground equipment which supports learning and develops children’s mind and bodies through risk-taking and challenges!

The company prides itself on offering a consultative approach, working with schools to maximise the potential of their grounds. Our aim is to create outdoor playground equipment areas to stimulate imaginations and provide inspiration.

GOING FORWARD

Mr Williams said that all the playground equipment has lived up to expectations and Pentagon has lived up to its reputation. He said it has helped the school achieve its aim to become an “Outstanding school which makes a significant difference to the life chances of the pupils and their families.” (Oftsted, October 2009)