At Parkwood, playtimes and lunchtimes are far more than just a break from lessons; they are a vital part of our curriculum where social skills and character are built. We have invested heavily in high-quality resources designed to encourage children to play, learn, and grow together. By specifically resourcing our playground for problem-solving, our pupils engage in everything from complex den building to collaborative large-scale construction, fostering a deep sense of teamwork. For those seeking a quieter adventure, our small world equipment ignites the imagination and creates natural oracy opportunities, allowing children to articulate their ideas and stories.
We recognise that from time to time, children will disagree or fall out. We view these moments as essential, natural opportunities for learning negotiation and social resilience. Rather than simply intervening, our role is to coach children through these challenges. By allowing them the space to talk out the issue, we empower them with the tools to find their own solutions and, ultimately, the skills to make up and move forward.
Our Playground Features
- The Construction Zone: For building big structures and working as a team.
- The Den Building Hub: Where engineering meets imagination.
- Small World Stations: Promoting language and storytelling through creative play.
- Conflict Coaching: Staff trained to help children navigate and resolve social hurdles.
Our WIN room is open every day! It’s a great space for children who may find the playground a little tricky. Sometimes this is because they’re working on their social skills or just need a bit of help with taking turns and playing with others. In our WIN room, we have wonderful adult-led activities filled with games and resources designed to support children in building the skills they need to thrive on the playground and beyond!