Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate has embraced a new approach to lunch breaks, providing children with a diverse range of play opportunities. This initiative is part of the school’s Thrive Time ethos, which focuses on nurturing children’s mental health and behavior through positive relationships, empathy, and curiosity.
Play is recognized as a crucial aspect of child development, contributing to enhanced communication skills, well-being, social interactions, and emotional regulation. Recognizing the significance of playtime in children’s daily routines, Head of School Alex McAuley emphasizes the importance of ensuring that these moments are enriching experiences for all students.
In response to feedback from pupils expressing a desire for more play options during lunchtime, Chilton’s senior staff conducted research visits to local schools to incorporate best practices into their innovative ideas. This led to the development of a tailored action plan aimed at maximizing outdoor spaces and encouraging inclusive play among students regardless of age.
One
notable
enhancement was the transformation and opening up of the forest area during lunch breaks. Equipped with wellies provided by the children themselves, this space now serves as a hub for activities such as den-building, mud kitchen exploration, obstacle courses, and sketching sessions.
For sports enthusiasts, there are designated areas featuring facilities like four-square courts, tennis courts, table tennis setups, table football stations, skipping ropes, stompers (stilts), hoops for hula hooping fun. Additionally popular are the sand pit and climbing frame while the expansive tree-lined field offers ample room for various imaginative games.
The school leadership has expressed delight at how enthusiastically students have embraced these changes. Deputy Head Hannah Cheshire notes that children have demonstrated respect towards new equipment and have showcased responsibility in managing these newfound opportunities. Witnessing their excitement and engagement with these diverse outdoor activities has been immensely gratifying for both educators and parents alike.
Overall, by prioritizing playtime as an integral component of child development within their daily routine, Chilton Primary School is fostering an environment where children can learn valuable life skills while enjoying moments of creativity and social interaction during what was once just another break period in their day.
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