Learning Through Play

Headteacher Louise Rosen, from St John Baptist Church of England Primary School in Hackney, believes that play is an important part of a good childhood and also important in raising standards within the school. The school has embarked on an ambitious programme to develop exciting play spaces that can be used throughout the school day.

Classrooms now extend into the playground, sheltered by a glass canopy; a sensory garden has been added, thanks to support from the Sunbabies Charity and the Linklaters law firm, and a play structure has been located within a huge sand pit. A huge adventure playground structure, complete with aerial walkways, cargo nets and a stage area, provides the main focus.

Teachers are able to use the gardens and play areas to integrate play within their topic plans right across the curriculum. Each Key Stage team works in partnership with a creative partner such as Circus Space, and an educational visit provides the stimulus for learning and play. School leaders worked closely with children in developing the new play areas, and children's enjoyment is reflected by their improved attendance and behaviour.