The competition, launched in September 2021 and hosted by children’s playground equipment supplier Playforce, was open to schools and nurseries across England and Wales. To enter, participants were asked to submit a picture or video to show Playforce, which is part of idverde, what a new outdoor space would mean to them. The winner received a free consultation, site survey, design, and playground installation.
The winner, Anfield Road Primary School, submitted a video of pupils speaking about how sad they were not being able to enjoy their hard, non-landscaped outdoor space. The video included hand-drawn pictures of what they’d love to see in their playground and received support from the school council.
“To come up with the idea for our video entry, the school council came together and thought of ideas to make a video and added all (of) our ideas and made the perfect video”, says one pupil.
“We all made the video together so we could enter the competition and try and get new equipment for our yard”, another pupil continues.
After announcing the winner, Playforce visited the school to meet with Deputy Headteacher Neil Griffith to understand the school’s needs. Following the first consultation, the school was presented with two options designed by Playforce. The school put them up for a vote, letting the school children decide which design they wanted installed in their playground.
Installation was completed at the beginning of April, and the school’s playground now boasts a Climbing Wall Traverse, Active Climber 7 and a Play Lawn surfacing. The Climber 7 includes a Hanging Rope Traverse, Crossed Rope, Balance Beam, Web Traverse, Trapeze Swing, Monkey Walk and a Link and Wave Rope, which the pupils enjoy during their playtimes.
Anfield Road Primary School Deputy Headteacher, Neil Griffiths said, “I have worked in Anfield Road Primary School for over twenty years, and I cannot remember one thing creating so much excitement in our school. The children came up with the idea for the video and since then our new amazing playground equipment has been installed. From playtime, to the last climb with their parents before they go home, the children love the new equipment. This is all thanks to Playforce and their fantastic competition.”
School pupil, news reporter, and school chair Kamsy said,
“Thank you so much for the money to help improve our playground. It means so much to us as a school council and school.”
END
NOTES
Documentary video of installation – https://youtu.be/UyvQIptR_Ig
Competition information & entry guidelines – https://www.playforce.co.uk/schools-and-nurseries/win-a-10k-playground
