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NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT AT DEE POINT BRINGS OFSTED PRAISE
7th July 2010
SCHOOL pupils are enjoying getting to grips with a range of new play equipment after the school was criticised for its lack of facilities.
In 2006, Dee Point County Primary School, in Blacon, Chester, was advised to improve its range of outdoor play provision by Ofsted officials, culminating in a series of impressive changes.
The Blacon Point Road School has been working for the last four years to make improvements and such is the excellence of provision now at the school, the changes proved a major factor in it being labelled ‘outstanding’ in an Ofsted report.
Among the new and exciting provisions geared to challenge and strengthen pupils’ learning and core physical ability are a tyre park, and extensive timber adventure trail, an outdoor classroom in the form of a gazebo, a large canopy over classroom doors encouraging free-flow between indoor/outdoor space, sandpit and other activities.
The playground has also undergone an extensive makeover. Most recently, the school has added some picnic tables for children to congregate around at playtime or even for some of the children to have their packed lunches on when the weather allows it.
“It was not always like this,” said Dee Point headteacher David Williams, who began his role at the school in September 2004.
“Children were not the focus, the environment was poor and the quality of the provision was inadequate.”
Pentagon have worked closely with the school over the years to make the play facilities what they are today. New equipment has been installed each year since the criticism from Ofsted.
Mr Williams added: “The aim of adding new outdoor playground facilities was to give children something to be proud of, something to care for and respect. It also increased and enhanced learning and play opportunities and encouraged physical exercise overall. 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.”
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