SPC Playground Update 12.3.12

Playground presentation – Mark Taylor

The purpose of this presentation was to let the parent council get a visual of the plans for the new school playground and to hopefully allay any concerns surrounding the proposals.

The presentation started with an interactive discussion on play and Mark asked the parents to take a minute to consider their own memories of play and how these have changed. Much of the discussion centred around the freedom of choice we as youngsters enjoyed in comparison to the “zero risk” play society encourages nowadays. Mark spoke about the zero risk tolerance and how the culture surrounding this should be changed as some risk is beneficial to children.

A comparison to St Andrews School playground was discussed with the group, Mark had spoken to the head-teacher at St Andrews whose playground was the most comparable to Stromness. Currently they operate three playground supervisors who patrol the school grounds; feedback from them is that this works very well so it is anticipated that SPS will adopt a similar supervision policy.

Mark also reported to the group that St Andrews Parent Council are more than happy to arrange a visit to the school to see the playground and how it works. Also to discuss how the parent council there has assisted in enhancing the playground. Reps from Stromness parent council to organise a visit.

Scrapstore Playpod – This scheme was taken to Marks attention by Catherine Diamond. In essence the scheme is that a shed/store/container of recycled materials (tyres, chairs, material, carpets, plastic etc) is made available to the pupils during their playtimes. The purpose of this is to support free play in the playground and aims to enhance every pupils’ school experience/

A video was played to the council and discussion ensued about the benefits of this type of play. Response from the parent council was very positive and encouraging. (Further information for those who didnt attend the meeting can be found below.


Scrapstore play pod video

or click link below for scrapstore play pod information booklet

Mark reported that advisors from Scrapstore will be attending the school to further discuss the idea with staff on March 26/27. If the idea were to proceed then full training would be given to all staff and also to the pupils.

Parent council are invited to attend a meeting with the scrapstore representatives on Monday March 26 at 6.30pm.