A Super Space for Developing Sporting Excellence

We couldn’t wait to start working with St Austin’s Catholic Primary School, located in Liverpool. Headteacher, Colette Hickey wanted to provide children with more opportunities for active play and learning in the outdoor environment.

Playground Consultant, Ian Wood, suggested three new projects for the school which would provide plenty of sporting opportunities and space to maximise outdoor learning.

Pupils are Rising to the Challenge!

Keen to provide a physically challenging area to their playspace, St Austin’s opted for the epic Puzzlewood Forest Circuit! This impressive climber, set at different levels, encourages children to travel, climb and hang. Pupils use both their hands and feet when tackling the different obstacles such as the stepping logs, net tunnel and climbing traverse. Varying inclines help to develop children’s proprioception and sense of balance.

Pupils learn to overcome climbing challenges together and are able to take safe risks in a controlled environment. The area surrounding the circuit was fitted with shockpad tiles and our super soft artificial grass surfacing to ensure ultimate safety.

The Match is about to Start!

A short distance from the Puzzlewood Circuit we created a sports pitch for the budding athletes of St Austin’s. We firstly installed our dynamic play base and then our Deluxe Artificial Grass Playturf. Mud-filled boots will be a distant memory as our artificial grass is free draining and suitable for play all year round.

We create standard sports lines so that the pitch could be used for a variety of different games during lessons, at breaktimes or for after school clubs. The installation of the pitch means that pupils have a designated space where they can be exposed to a wide range of sports.

St Austin’s Primary strive for sporting excellence and understand the vital role exercise plays in raising academic standards. On our return visit, it was great to see both boys and girls taking part in football matches together, developing their skills and self-confidence.

New Possibilities await in the Outdoor Classroom

A key requirement for St Austin’s school was for pupils to have designated spaces for outdoor study. With this in mind, we installed two Outdoor Classrooms catering for both infant and junior pupils. The junior outdoor classroom can comfortably sit 30 pupils. It is the perfect, calming space for learning about the natural environment and trying out new skills. A Large Whiteboard allows teachers to model new learning or display important information.

Tucked away in a beautiful, green garden space infant children are also provided with an outdoor classroom which is a great spot for observation, group work, sharing a book or writing a story together inspired by their surroundings.

It was a privilege to see so many happy, confident, excited faces as the bell sounded and pupils headed out for break time. Learners couldn’t wait to access either the circuit climber or their new sports facilities and they were active and engaged throughout their play. Pupils at St Austin’s certainly understand the importance of physical activity and with the installation of their new equipment this will continue long into the future.

If you would like to meet with any of our Outdoor Learning Consultants regarding your own play space, then Contact Us!

Or, see more of our Liverpool Projects to get inspiration today!