The idea
We have two phases for our planned re-design to allow for fundraising over 2years. Phase 1 work will begin in Summer 2021, and will focus on the main play area. It will include ground and site preparation, the installation of a new central timber play-frame and installation of 3 little mushroom seats to create a friendship zone around our cherry tree. Costs for this will be in the region of about £15,000. Phase 2 will include new fencing with hidey hole cut outs, carvings and crawl throughs. Creation of new nature area with messy kitchen, planters, bug hotel, bird hotel, archway with lockable gate and new fencing. To install timber playhouse for role play and outdoor classroom. To install a water-wall and mark making area. Costs for this part of the project will be fundraised for once phase 1 is complete and should cost somewhere in the region of £20,000+.
What we'll deliver
- Builder work - Preparation of site, ground works and removal /disposal of existing units
- Re-surfacing and Installation of main wooden play-frame
- Friendship zone - Installation of 3 children's mushroom seats and fleximulch surfacing
Why it's a great idea
Outdoor learning has many recognised health benefits; from encouraging physical activity, improving learning and confidence, to positively affecting behaviour and mental health of children. There are also benefits for staff and some evidence to show that competences can also be improved when spending more time outdoors. Whilst our priority is to the children, we believe that by making these changes we can also take the opportunity to support the wildlife in our community, by looking at how the space we have can benefit nature too. We plan to install planters for the children to grow some of their own food in as well as flowers for the bees. Promoting the importance of the small changes we can all make to help improve our environment. This project opens the doors for future plans already being discussed on how to involve more volunteers to help with the up-keep of our nature area. This we believe would provide a real sense of involvement and community working together.
Steps to get it done
- Builder works - Removal of old equipment and damaged floor surfaces
- Re-surfacing of floor area & Installation of main playframe
- Friendship zone - fleximulch surfacing around tree area and wooden mushroom seats
We are a not for profit run charity setting established in 1992, working in partnership with the first school who rely on our out of school club and wrap around care. We have a group of parent led volunteers (Trustees) who work alongside the management team. We recently added a baby room to the setting as this was something families were requesting and we now have 164 children aged between 12 months and 10 years with 18 members of staff who will all benefit from these changes, as will the generations of families to come. Our setting is growing every year and with more demand than at any other time it is vital that we continue to grow and adapt to our families needs.
