'Pupils are hard-working, co-operative and kind to one another. They behave very well. Pupils play well together at social times.' (Ofsted 2025)
Play is fundamental to a child’s health, happiness, development and well being. Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. This led our school to reflect upon how playtimes could be improved. We therefore started our journey to improve this a few years ago. We recognise the enormous benefits play has on a child’s life and ensure that children at St Paul's CE Primary School have a wide variety of opportunities for a fun and active playtime and lunchtime each day.
We have developed our approach and worked with our schools PTA and local businesses to improve our play provision. Our school grounds consist of two traditional play yards: one for Early Years and another for Key stage 1 and 2. Previously some of these spaces have been underused, however through our developemnt of outdoor playing and learning our school site is being transformed to offer the highest quality play experiences whatever the weather.
The school yards have been divided into four zones on each yard. Children have the freedom to explore and play in their own imaginative ways, experimenting, problem solving and having fun using a wide range of available resources which are very different in each zone.
Our outdoor areas are continually being developed to offer an even wider range of play opportunities. The children love playing in all the different areas including den building, bike and scooter riding, small world, construction, climbing and performing on stage. They are having fun and are developing life skills of team work, problem solving, communication, resilience whilst also developing their creativity and imagination.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) promotes risky play!
It is always a slight worry to parents and to staff who work with children when they are engaged in what could be described as ‘risky play’. We are programmed to try and stop anything which poses any kind of risk. Recent research has shown that this is not preparing our children to make their own risk assessments and overcome problems and challenges. The HSE agrees with this, stating that play which carries some risk is not only allowed but should be actively encouraged. Children, by law, have the right to play.
Below is a link to the HSE report on why risky play should happen in schools:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/entertainment/assets/docs/childrens-play-july-2012.pdf
At St. Paul's CE Primary School, The Outdoor Play Team meet with Miss Loscombe every two weeks.
Updates....
Autumn Term 1 2025
The Play Team have come together this term to create a clear list of priorities for each playground, focusing on which areas are most in need of development. They have carefully assessed each space and worked collaboratively to identify what resources are needed and how improvements can be made so that all areas can be accessed and enjoyed fully. The team are currently working to develop the KS1 Art Gazebo, ensuring it is well-resourced and ready to inspire creativity. In KS2, they are focusing on making sure bikes and scooters are accessible, safe, and ready for use. The Play Leaders have also discussed the importance of their role and established a set of expectations to help them best support and facilitate high-quality playtimes across the school.
Well done, Play Leaders!
Autumn Term 2 2025
During this half term, the Play Team have continued to work with enthusiasm and commitment to enhance playtimes across the school. They successfully cast their votes and appointed a new Play Lead to support the KS2 playground, demonstrating strong teamwork and responsibility. Using their leadership skills, the Play Leaders have begun training new leads and setting clear, high expectations for positive play. They have consistently upheld the school’s Christian values by promoting forgiveness, love, respect and courage in all aspects of play, encouraging fairness and teaching children to care for and respect play equipment. The team have motivated pupils through reward systems, inspired children to show courage by trying new games, and supported inclusive play by creating and teaching new playground activities. They have also played an important role in teaching children how to look after the new play equipment, helping to ensure safe, happy and high-quality playtimes for all.
Well done, Play Team!
Updates 2024 2025
September 2024....
Outdoor Play Team roles were assigned. The team learnt how to pack away the equipment and how to ensure the children are kept safe outside.
October 2024.....
The Outdoor Play Team delivered an assembly to the school talking about the developments we would like for our KS1 and KS2 yards this year.
November 2024....
The Outdoor Play Team developed a Small World area in the KS2 yard. They added a range of branches and logs to create a dinosaur world. The team met with the Friends of St Paul's to help set up the new Mud Pie kitchen area.
December 2024....
The Outdoor Play Team team wrote a letter to the Year 5 pupils to ask who would like to express an interest in being next year's team.
January 2025....
The Outdoor Play Team looked through the expressions of interest from year 5 and decided who will be next year's OPAL team. A training plan was created so that the current team can teach the new team all about their roles.
February 2025....
The Outdoor Play Team have been training the Year 5 pupils who are set to take over their role in September.