A circular space can be added to a corner of the playground to provide a haven from a busy playtime. As well as a social space, this area can encourage imaginative and role play activities.
Planting can introduce a sensory dimension and even the surface of the space could be used creatively eg a stone compass set in the floor could serve as an excellent start point for storytelling. Using artificial grass is great for such areas, providing a low maintenance, mud free, all-weather surface.
In response to the ‘Extended Schools’ agenda, many schools are looking at ways to embed schools at the heart of their local community, encouraging more use of the school’s facilities after hours. Some schools are building amphitheatres and outdoor stages which can be used for lessons, assemblies and school productions and also by the community such as local drama groups. Grant funding is often available for such projects.