Children in Reception at Park View Primary Academy in Beeston are enjoying the benefits of new play equipment thanks to a grant from The Big Lottery Fund.
They play equipment is especially important as most of the school’s pupils live in the surrounding terraced streets with little access to outdoor play. Developing physically through play is very important to early years education affecting things like grip for writing; hand-eye co-ordination and balance, which affects children’s ability to read words along a line.
The children themselves were involved in choosing the equipment. They drew pictures of items they would like with a slide and a wobbly bridge being the most popular. The bridge is particularly good for acting out the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Roxy Grant, the Early Years Lead at Park View explained:
“Physical development plays a key role in the foundations of other areas of learning, for example reading and writing. Improving pupils’ physical development will impact on their attainment.
“As many pupils have limited space at home, we are delighted to be able to offer this fantastic provision at school.”
The school won an Awards For All grant of £10,000 and added £2,500 from its own funds to buy and install the equipment.
