Environmental Play Teaches Valuable Lessons in Schools

Environmental Play and learning the value of sustainable living should be an essential part of the school curriculum, in my opinion.

As a child I used to love getting my hands dirty in the back garden digging for worms or helping my mum plant some seeds. It was exciting to feel the different textures of the dirt, counting the seeds and watering them, wondering what they will look like in a few weeks.

As children spend more time sat indoors watching television and playing on their computers, it’s more important than ever for schools to encourage children to play and learn outdoors.

Environmental Play can aid children’s development in their school curriculum. It can support numeracy through counting seeds, sequencing and measuring plants as they grow. It can also help with language and literacy, providing links to storytelling, communication and creative writing, such as Jack and the Beanstalk!

Playdale are currently offering a 10% discount for the next two weeks on all products in their Eco-Play range to help schools get their play areas ready for spring time.

CLICK HERE to browse the discounted range and see how you can help children get their hands dirty and learn about the environment.

Do you incorporate Environmental Play in your lesson plans?

To view our full product range request a brochure HERE

5 Maintenance Tips to Make Your Playground Safe for Spring/Summer

It is vital that your playground equipment is safe and ready for the warmer months ahead. Children will soon flock to play areas all over the country as they can finally enjoy their playground equipment without getting soaked in mud.

However, with this surge of playground users comes a greater importance and emphasis on the safety of your playground equipment.

Here are 5 tips to get your playground safe and ready for Spring/Summer:

1. Start Planning Early – Don’t put the idea on the shelf and leave it too late. Start preparing early so that your playground equipment is safe and ready for the barrage of children set to embark on it. They will be there before you know it!
2. Book an Annual Inspection – An inspection of your play equipment forms a very important link between you, the users and the safety of your play area. In my experience, a regular inspection regime can also reduce general maintenance costs. An Annual Inspection by one of Playdale’s qualified RPII Inspectors only costs £195 which will ensure that your playground equipment meets current safety standards to BS EN1176. 
3. Weekly Checks – Carry out your own weekly checks on your playground equipment. This will help keep maintenance costs down and ensure that your playground is kept at its best. If your playground is heavily used daily checks are recommended.
4. Get Training – Playdale offer training and consultation packages to give you tips and advice on how to conduct inspections. One of our fully qualified RPII Inspectors will spend 1-2 hours showing you exactly what you need to do.
5. Upgrade your Equipment – Budgets may be tight at the moment, but why not add some new, low-cost items to your playground. Playground fillers from our dynamic ‘Movers’ range are perfect additions.

If you follow these tips you are sure to have the safest, most exciting playground in the area this Spring/Summer!

For more information on maintenance and inspections, CLICK HERE  to book your Annual Inspection now CLICK HERE

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