Case studies
Supergrounds transforms school grounds in Wales
Case study group: foundation, primary
The LTL/RBS Supergrounds programme has already helped transform over 20 primary school playgrounds in Wales. Two schools to recently complete their projects are Llandysul Community Primary School in Ceredigion and Sennybridge County Primary School in Powys.
Llandysul particularly wanted to develop an area for children to play creatively and imaginatively in a safe environment. The area identified consisted of mainly grass in front of an orchard which is now accessible by rustic steps where the children can walk down into a nature area. An existing garden shed has been transformed into a colourful playhouse and decking has been extended around the playhouse under the trees. Characters from Welsh stories cut out from plywood and painted can also be found. In front of the play house sits a big pirate ship surrounded by a track for the children to ride their bikes and cars. Raised beds have been erected for each class to plant and grow and a sensory area has been created including a herb garden which the children planted and hanging mirrors.
Helen Horscroft, an RBS Group employee, parent and a former pupil at the school successfully applied for the Supergrounds award. The school has also benefited from much volunteer time including The Pontsian Young Farmers Club, parents, and grandparents who helped prepare the grounds and painting. To celebrate their newly developed area the whole school dressed as pirates for the day and invited a well known Welsh children’s television character Bili Bom Bom to open the grounds.
Sennybridge felt that there was no secure area at the school where pupils could explore and develop their independent learning. They identified a large grassed area they wanted to transform and installed robust fencing to lend privacy. A meandering slate path leads to different themed ‘rooms’. There is a play area with a small climbing frame, slides and a big plastic tunnel. Seating has been installed using two rowan trees for shade. The area also include a wildlife planting and digging area where children can carry out species identification. Pupils were involved throughout the project from planning through to implementation. They chose the equipment to put into the area and undertook some of the digging and planting.
Jenny Jones, the NatWest employee who nominated this school for a Supergrounds award, has done all she can to support the project’s development whether fundraising, undertaking physical work or attending press celebrations. A parent made and donated the wooden carved mushrooms. Parents and friends of the school donated plants/pots/wind chimes and windmills. Following their Supergrounds project the school are looking to develop the eco-garden.
