ST BRIGIDS RC PRIMARY SCHOOL

St Brigids

Working alongside Charlotte Derry from More Playful Playtimes, the staff at St Brigids had made considerable progress toward placing play as a key element within the culture of the school

This was a great opportunity. We were invited to design grounds that facilitated and enhanced an inspiring commitment to play and create an environment that deeply embraced the needs of a constantly evolving, explorative, playful environment. The Head’s vision was a greener, wilder haven, in contrast with its urban surroundings that nurtured children’s need to explore, play and be in more natural surroundings. Integral to the design was the inclusion of risk-taking, challenging features.

 Facilitated by Charlotte, a series of workshops and discussions with the whole school community, staff, pupils, parents, and carers took place and A careful consideration of the concerns and anxieties surrounding risk-benefit were discussed and addressed.

As the build evolved there was a continual conversation as to the potential of each element.

The children needed to engage with real risks to 'learn what cannot be taught, what is understood only through experience'. Through our carefully considered balanced approach to risk and benefit, we got a huge appraisal from the Manchester City Council Health and Safety Officer, Mike Booth, who felt “This is exactly what we should be doing in all our schools in Manchester.”

 The result has been the creation of an open-ended landscape aimed at creating as the school's mission statement states- playful, courageous explorers.

Favorite features are A large pond, an outdoor art and making shack run by the pupils, long grass, growing spaces, plenty of climbing, den making, seclusion, and performance opportunities.

 As the young trees grow larger the vision will really begin to come to life.