Creating ‘Wow’ Moments at Whatfield CofE VC Primary School

The Customer

Whatfield CEVC Primary is a small but mighty school located in Suffolk. The school aims to provide all pupils with the best possible education promoting knowledge, independence and respect for others. Whatfield Primary is a supportive learning community where staff provide stimulating, awe-inspiring learning experiences.

Their Objectives

The aim of this project was to improve the outdoor area used by early years and KS1 classes. The playspace was previously uneven and unsafe and staff desperately wanted to make full use of the wide, open space so that children could learn outdoors. It was important to have opportunities for:

Pupils to develop speech and language skills
Physical development
Creative thinking and problem solving

Our Approach

Our talented team of playground installers needed to carefully prepare the site for the transformation to begin. Old wetpour surfacing and paving slabs were removed, taking the area back to earth, ready for a subbase to be set in place. Existing fencing and gates were also relocated to increase the size of the playspace.

Once the groundwork was complete, new surfacing could be prepared and installed. Artificial Grass Playturf with sections of colourful Funturf has created a space that can be used all year round. Pupils are free to run, explore, sit and even roll on their new, comfortable playground carpet! Playturf is hard-wearing and durable, it is free draining and fitted with a weed suppressant membrane to ensure low maintenance.

Pupils now have different colour coded leaning zones to discover and their own roadway for vehicle play which develops core stability, spatial awareness and proprioception.

A Bespoke Timber Canopy, located just outside the classroom creates a free flow environment. Pupils are protected from the elements yet can still enjoy the many benefits of being outside in nature as light is let in through the polycarbonate roof panels.

A Harter Fell was the climber of choice, pupils have been improving their climbing confidence and finding their own routes around this impressive triangular frame. A lifelong love of movement is being created as children make their own choices and engage in social activity.

Many pupils can safely gather around their new Sand Table with Lid. It was fantastic to see children’s focus and concentration when engaged in play and social interaction.

A beautiful, protected tree which sits proudly in the outside area is now a focal point for play. Sleeper Seating around the edge of the tree roots has created a lovely, relaxing spot. Pupils enjoy sitting next to the tree when digging and planting.

Purposeful outdoor mark making is now a possibility thanks to a large Framed Chalkboard. Pupils have been using the board to draw and label their latest designs.

The Results

EYFS and KS1 class teacher Harriet Young is overjoyed with the transformation of the whole space. ‘Pupils now want to be outside, engaging in continuous provision, even in the rain! The outdoor area is used to teach maths, literacy and science lessons and pupils now have much more space to create bigger builds using construction materials. Learners are using new and interesting language choices and working together more often. The new play space is amazing and has enhanced the whole curriculum!’

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