Parkside School launches innovative playtime curriculum to enhance physical activity and social skills
The Parkside School, a complex needs school with 196 pupils, has launched an innovative playtime curriculum. This is aimed at increasing physical activity levels and social skills for their students.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), seeks to provide a safe and engaging environment for children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The aim is to encourage them to participate in active play and learning activities.
The funding that has supported this initiative comes from the Opening Schools Facilities Fund. Last year, the Parkside School was one of seven schools in Norwich to receive a combined total of £45,000. Find out more.
“I am thrilled to see the positive impact the programme has had on our students’ health and well-being. The increased engagement and enthusiasm from both students and staff are truly remarkable.”
Iain Mills The Parkside School’s Health and Wellbeing Coordinator
Addressing Unique Challenges
The project aims to raise physical activity levels of all pupils with SEND, increase girls’ involvement and target those pupils who do not usually engage with physical activity.
This project was developed in response to the unique challenges faced by Parkside pupils. These pupils often lack opportunities to play safely in typical outdoor environments.
Recognising the need for constant supervision to ensure their safety, the primary goal of this initiative was to create a secure space where risk-taking and play can occur naturally.
Play is crucial for children’s development, teaching lessons that can’t be learned in a classroom. Great play benefits schools too, with happier children causing fewer disruptions and up to 80% fewer accidents. Staff well-being improves, and senior leaders spend less time resolving conflicts. Teachers enjoy more effective teaching time, and children develop self-regulation skills. Not to mention the physical activity and mental health benefits children get from staying fit.
Target Audience
The initiative primarily serves The Parkside School’s diverse community of CYP with SEND, 55% of whom are eligible for free school meals (FSM).
The project seeks to provide these pupils with play opportunities they might not otherwise have due to their needs and vulnerabilities. The success of this project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various partners:
- OPAL: An award-winning, mentor supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities. OPAL provided expertise in developing the playtime curriculum.
- Parkside School: Facilitated the implementation and integration of the curriculum.
- Local Community Residents, Parents, CYP, and Staff: Supported the development and ongoing success of the project.
Community Engagement & Pupil Voice
The Parkside School has actively involved parents and carers in the project, encouraging them to participate in play activities with their children.
Pupil feedback was collected through half-termly assemblies. This ensured their voices were heard and considered in the ongoing development of the playtime curriculum.
Outcomes and Benefits
The funding was put towards acquiring various pieces of equipment to enhance physical activity opportunities for the pupils. This included swings, hammocks and skateboards. It also included roller skates, tyres, storage boxes, and various play equipment for the playground. Funding was also put towards outdoor clothing (waterproofs, wellies), and CDP Playwork Training connected to OPAL.
Since the introduction of the OPAL curriculum, the school has observed a significant reduction in Restricted Physical Interventions (RPI) during spring and summer lunchtimes by 32%.
This reduction highlights the positive impact of the project on pupil behaviour and engagement.
“It has been an amazing transformation and I have a lot less calls at lunchtime to support on the playground. We now have pupils on the playground who would not normally have been on it.”
Parkside School Staff
Get involved
The Parkside School were able to apply for funding through the Opening Schools Facilities fund. Our Localities Team are always looking for opportunities to improve the physical activity offering in their district.
To find out about opportunities near you, click the link below to find and get in touch with your locality officer.