Did you know that children spend up to 20% of their primary school education in play? At Woodlea, we believe anything that demands 20% of our children's time deserves a well-thought-out strategy.

Over the last three years, we have invested significant resources and strategy into the development of the play provision at Woodlea and it is something we are extremely proud of.

Playground Angels and Activity Rotas

To support children to be active in their play, we use Playground Angels to implement guided playtime activities. 

Playground Angels are Year 6 Children who carry out this important role to ensure playtimes at Woodlea are happy and productive. Playground Angels undertake training to develop their skills in leadership and organisation. They ensure games and activities are enjoyable, inclusive, safe and fair. During morning and lunch break, games and activities are on offer for all children.

The activities they facilitate are on a rota and change throughout the year to allow for variety and to reflect the change in the environment over the seasons. These include: Scootfit, Football, Hockey, Tennis, Table tennis, Badminton, Netball, Basketball, Dance to name but a few. 

This means that children are well-provided for at break times with activities and sports to participate in, leading to a positive active playtime experience for all which enables the children to return to the classroom regulated ready to learn.  

Not only do Playground Angels ensure organisation of activities, their roles are to encourage younger children to take part in games, help develop friendships, develop teamwork skills, build self-confidence and self-esteem, develop social skills, aid with conflict resolution and promote physical activity.

Woodland and Loose Parts

At Woodlea, we are privileged to have a wonderful woodland outdoor environment where children immerse themselves in imaginative play as well as being able to explore the environment actively.

To enhance this environment even further, we have invested in play time provision with the purchase of Loose Parts equipment. This contains an assortment of equipment which the children can use freely to construct, to role play, to create and explore.

Research has shown that this kind of equipment and play:

• Boosts imagination and creativity
• Develops social and emotional skills
• Develops critical thinking, problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Strengthens independence and sense of self
• Enhances cognitive abilities
• Develop fine and gross motor skills
• Develop hand-eye coordination
• Build vocabulary