Transform play area at Chilton Foliat Primary

Aim

We want to transform our Early Years play area into a fun, safe and interactive learning environment and host local toddler groups too.

Project aim

We want to transform our Early Years play area into a fun, safe and interactive learning environment.  The funds will be used to landscape the area, extend the mud kitchen, create a wild planting area and install safety matting. The intention is to maximise the potential of the outdoor space as a community project by inviting members of the older village community to be involved in the project. We also intend to open up the space to local toddler groups.

Project scope

The area needs landscaping before the new environment can be created. Tasks include:

• Fill in dis-used pond with gravel/new surface
• Remove fence posts
• Install a new playhouse
• Lay a path to link areas
• Extend mud kitchen
• Create 'wild planting area' for vegetables and plants
• New storage equipment including a greenhouse and storage for tools
• Install safety matting
• Install water feature
• We are thrilled to be working in partnership with local charity Action for the River Kennet (ARK) who are helping us with the design of the area to incorporate maximum use of rain water and other environmentally positive solutions.

Involving our local community
Together with our local community residents and volunteers, the improvements to the garden and play area will help to underscore the importance we all have in sustaining our environment and learning about the importance of wildlife. By connecting with both the youngest and oldest residents in the village, we aim to form an all year round ongoing study area of wildlife and gardening. Furthermore we hope to launch an edible garden club in partnership with the local village pub.

Local community volunteers will be involved in developing the space and will share knowledge on gardening and wildlife with pupils. This includes older village residents who will be invited into school regularly. The children, staff and community are motivated and passionate about this project and community volunteers are doing the planting. We aim to invite community toddler groups to also enjoy it.  

This project successfully funded on 23rd March 2021