Village pre-school transforms playtime for all children
Sherington Pre-school, a rural village pre-school in Buckinghamshire, has completed a major playground refurbishment that is benefiting pupils and the wider community.
Sovereign Play Equipment delivered the project that has transformed the grounds into a stimulating play environment for under 5s. The new playground promotes adventure and imaginative play, encourages creativity and learning, and supports the development of social and physical skills.
Justin Mottaz, play consultant at Sovereign commented: “Sherington Pre-School wanted to bring a new lease of life to its tired play area. With a diversity of play equipment, we created a new playground that gives allchildren endless opportunities for playtime.”
New play facilities include playground markings, an adventure tower, play mound, a mud kitchen, chalkboard, painting easel, and an imaginative play lodge. In addition to a broad variety of play equipment, the playground surface has been replaced and incorporates splashes of vibrant colours to bring the area to life. A timber pergola has been fixed to the side of the pre-school building to provide shade and shelter – and a storage unit was installed for tucking away loose play items when not in use.
Anna Shotton, Chair at Sherington Preschool commented: “The installation of the new playground has been more successful than we could have ever hoped. The large pergola has made a wonderful shaded area from the sun and we’ve been able to have activities outside when it’s raining too. The surface change has made the transition of outdoors to indoors, much easier, with no need to change muddy shoes or wellies. Bikes and trikes are much easier to manoeuvre around the flat surface. The mud kitchen, climbing unit and adventure mound are firm favourites. Staff and children enjoy the outdoor space so much more!”
Pupils can get hands-on with sensory activities, express their creativity and get to grips with their physical skills, explore their imagination and engage socially with one another. Children using the playground out of pre-school hours can equally enjoy the new facilities.
The project was made possible with support from the local Parish Council and WREN, parents and the local community, who helped the pre-school to raise over £29,000.
