Outdoor play equipment for Garrick Green School

Aim: We are raising funds to replace our school’s outdoor climbing frame with a safer, more challenging and more fun ‘castle’.

Our infant school’s current climbing equipment was designed for much younger children than those at our school. It does not offer the challenge or scope that our children need:

“Nobody plays with it because the slide is too small. I’m longer than the slide!” (Anaïs aged 5)

“When it’s wet, it gets slippery” (Freya aged 5) This is because its metal, whereas the new equipment will be predominantly timber based.

"More people can play together on new stuff. I could play on it more as I'm too big for our old one" (William aged 7)

We have chosen this castle equipment design as it will help our pupils to develop physically and socially through imaginative and active play. For this cohort, who were born around the time of COVID-19, this is particularly important as we have noticed a decline in the core strength, co-ordination and emotional resilience in many of our children. This impacts on their ability to absorb information in the classroom and even affects how well they can grasp and control a pencil.

Incorporating heavy work activities into play is essential for all children, and is especially so for those with Special Educational Needs (10% of our school), who may face challenges in regulating their energy levels. Adequate outdoor play facilities provide vital neurological stimulation, promoting muscle and joint development, while also supporting children in calming and settling their minds and bodies. 

Additionally, the new equipment will create an environment where children can practice social skills, follow simple instructions, build both expressive and receptive language, and develop critical thinking. The funding will support the creation of a more dynamic outdoor learning environment that contributes to the overall well-being of our students and fosters their growth in a natural, enriching setting.

The play equipment materials are guaranteed for 5-10 years (varying across materials, and with annual maintenance), and the timber itself guaranteed for up to 20 years. This means the investment will initially benefit our cohort of 150 children, and will continue to benefit each new cohort for the next 5-20 years. 

Please help us in any way you can; this is such an important part of our children’s lives. Our children are very artistic and our parents are excellent bakers - grab yourself a reward whilst you can! Thank you from us all at Garrick Green. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 2nd September 2025 at 9:18pm