Outdoor Play
Outdoor Play and Learning at Brenzett C.E Primary School
At Brenzett C.E. Primary School we believe play is of vital importance to the full development of our pupils. Research and experience tells us that play offers many opportunities to develop a range of skills that will prepare children for life, including communication and problem solving skills, resilience and perseverance, creativity, physical development and improved well-being. Read here to find out more about the ten types of play and what these look like in our school.
Why is Play an Important Part of our Curriculum?
Play is a vital way for children to relate to the world around them and it enables them to exercise their natural curiosity. Play, by definition, is child initiated so it allows children to independently make choices, solve problems, overcome challenges and learn through trial and error. Trusting children to play independently and responsibly develops their confidence, self-identity, resilience and sense of agency – all of which are vital learning and life skills which can be transferred back into the classroom. For this reason we invest a lot of time and energy into ensuring our pupils at Brenzett have enriching and well-resourced play experiences.
Benefits of Play
Play increases pupil well-being, resilience, problem solving skills and self-confidence. It is also a vehicle for physical and social development: children learn the power of communication – how to negotiate, take-turns and how to compromise. Play also offers opportunities to develop the imagination and boosts creativity – children re-imagine the world and objects around them in a multitude of ways and they use role-play to explore and enjoy different identities as well as developing their own.
What does play-time look like at Brenzett?
At Brenzett, we believe there is much to be gained by letting all of our children play together. Our older pupils are able to take on jobs and responsibilities such as helping to look-out for the younger pupils, being positive role-models and helping to organise tidy-up time. Our younger pupils benefit from having older pupils to play with – in particular older siblings, neighbours or family members which can be reassuring and comforting at times. Mixing our year groups was immediately enriching and now all year groups take their lunch hour at the same time every day. As outdoor play brings so many benefits, we now play outdoors in most weathers too.
Types of Play
Providing a rich play environment is essential if all pupils, regardless of age, gender, race, disability or other special needs are to thrive. At Brenzett we strive to provide a variety or play experiences including:
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