An initial meeting with the Foundation stage teachers at the school inspired the rest of the school to get involved in looking at how they can use and improve their grounds for all the children.
One of the main concerns for the Foundation Stage teachers was how to improve the access to the outside space for their children, and how to manage the resources in this space which is used for access to other parts of the school. By exploring the current layout and use of the space, the teachers realised that one of the most interesting areas wasn’t being used by anyone. New fencing was installed to increase the secured space and re-define the area, and some classes swapped rooms to make access easier. The Foundation Stage teachers are working hard to increase the quality and use of the space, in particular ways of delivering and supporting the formal curriculum outside.
Meanwhile, the rest of the school carried out a survey of the whole school to find out what they thought of their outside space, and the children voted on their most and least favourite areas. The need for a quiet area, for use for teaching and at playtime was identified and became a focus for fundraising.
The school identified an unused piece of derelict ground to use, and the children were asked to put forward their ideas online and in school. Year 3 pupils used these to come up with designs which were then incorporated into a final design for the space.
The whole project had great community support. The design and build was project managed and implemented by School Grounds North East and Just Stumps Ltd (www.just-stumps.co.uk), and was funded by the school, PTA and contributions, financial and in kind, from local businesses.
The school now has a stimulating outdoor classroom where the children can escape from the hustle and bustle of playtime.
In July 2011 the project won the LOVE Northumberland Award for Best Children’s Project.
A working group has with representatives from all key stages meets regularly to continually review and improve how the outdoor space is developed and use, and ensures that everyone in the school is involved.
Support was provided in a number of ways – information and guidance at key stage meetings, walking tour of site, staff meeting presentation, support at working group meetings, and a comprehensive report with relevant and tailored information, advice and ideas. The Quiet area project was managed by School Grounds North East in partnership with Just Stumps Ltd and included design and build, fundraising, workshops with children, community working days and press liaison.