Playtimes at Avening Primary School

Click here for our Play Policy 2023

Playtime at our school is a very special time. This is because we recognise that play has a significant beneficial impact on a child's health and well-being; it is pivotal in the development of the child and, as such, we see play as part of our essential provision.

During our playtimes, children choose where to play - on the garden (whatever the weather - we have a fabulous welly store!), on the playgrounds, with the water trays, in the mud kitchen, on the climbing frame, under the canopy, around the fire pit. Children are explorers, builders, performers, sporting heroes, scientists, risk takers, mediators, chefs, engineers... and most of all they have fun!

Click here to view a video about play, produced by our School Council - School Council Playtime Video It's a little old now, but still gives a flavour of what to expect!

Our Play Team - Mrs Woodman and Ms Aldhouse, supported by our teaching assistants - help to facilitate wonderful play. Ms Alhouse and Mrs Carter also visit the Scrap Store on a regular basis to top-up our 'loose parts' which spark imaginations.

We have worked with Michael Follett, a play specialist from Outdoor Play and Learning, to improve our play provision and the results speak for themselves. We received a Platinum Play Award in January 2018, in recognition of our amazing playtimes - and our governors prioritise play with an annual 'play walk' to ensure that provision continues to be the best it can be. Here are a few recent photographs of us at play: