Playground Zoning
At St Mary’s, we want our lunchtime play to be creative, collaborative and full of fun. To heighten the experience for ALL children in our school community, we have created 4 zones in our playground: a Free Zone, a Community Zone, a Zen Zone and Active Zone. Something for everyone!
Why zone the playground?
A zoned playground is a school playground where equipment is provided for the children in discrete activity areas. It is strategically placed to improve safety and inclusivity. With the distinctive areas, the needs and interests of all children can be met.
Our Zones:
Free Zone
The free zone creates a vital safe space where children can be themselves and have fun whilst developing crucial cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. It provides the opportunity for free play in a traditional style playground.
Community Zone
Community, Co-operate, Create! This zone provides the opportunity to come together to play board games collaboratively, create pieces of art based on the seasons and let your creative juices flow. This is a calm and purposeful area which gives children the chance to develop problem solving skills and creativity.
Active Zone
The active zone allows children to challenge themselves in different areas of physical activity, including agility, balance and co-ordination. (ABC)
Each day will have a different, fun filled focus!
- Strike it Lucky Monday- a chance to practice hand-eye co-ordination with bowling, bean bags and hoops
- Try not to tumble Tuesday- test your balance and agility with stepping stones, speed bounce and balancing kits
- Whack it Wednesday- practice your batting skills with cricket tees, tennis rackets and balls
- Throw and Catch Thursday- work collaboratively to throw and catch and shoot some hoops
- Freedom Friday- test your ABC’s with a variety of equipment. Why not try making an obstacle course?!
Zen Zone
This calm and peaceful zone will take place in our Spiritual Garden. It provides the opportunity to breathe, reflect upon our values and take some time to relax. For those who would like to, focused prayer zones are available for quiet reflection. It is a chance to take a few moments to be calm, mindful and find some peace in our very busy day!
This is a place where children may be asked to visit for a few moments when they need to reflect on certain behaviours or situations, under guidance from an adult outside.
