Children at Roundhill Primary School in Bath are enjoying more creative and positive playtimes following the introduction of a new PlayPod.
The facility, provided by the Children’s Scrapstore in Bristol and funded by the Friends of Roundhill, gives pupils access to a wide range of loose ‘scrap’ materials designed to inspire imaginative play.
Items including plastic tubing, steering wheels, keyboards, crates and cardboard tubes encourage children to build, invent and work together during playtime.
Pupils across the school have already embraced the new space.
Amos in Year 1 said, “I love it.”
Lara in Year 1 added, “I think it’s excellent because there is so much to play with.”
Gracie in Year 4 said, “It’s fun, it helps us play together. I like pretending to capture people with the hoops.”
Sofia in Year 4 added, “I like it because we can role play more easily: we play families.”
The PlayPod was funded through fundraising by the Friends of Roundhill, including the school’s Summer Fete and Christmas Fair.
The Children’s Scrapstore installed the PlayPod this term, provided staff training and continues to visit the school regularly to support pupils as they use the new facility.
Emma Cooper, Headteacher at Roundhill Primary School, said, “We have been thrilled to work alongside the Children’s Scrapstore to redevelop our PlayPod, and thank you to our amazing Friends of Roundhill who made this happen by funding the project.
“Playtimes have become more positive and joyful, with both children and adults enjoying creative and imaginative play together. As a consequence, engagement in class has improved, supporting a calmer, happier, and more focused learning environment.”
The school says the PlayPod is helping children develop teamwork, creativity and communication skills, while also supporting improved behaviour and concentration in lessons.
