CHILDREN at three primary schools in Powys are being encouraged to put down their iPads and games consoles and start playing outside again thanks to a Welsh government initiative.
Under the Playful Powys Schools Programme, pupils at Cradoc, Bro Tawe and Pennygloddfa have received huge shipping containers for storage of items of outdoor play equipment.
These ‘play pods’, which the schools are packing with items they already own or which have been donated by parents and staff, are now being used for some “amazing” outdoor play sessions. One unexpected side effect, according to Bro Tawe deputy head Jemma Williams, is that the pupils are having fewer “falling-outs”.
Youngsters at Cradoc Primary School have had great fun recently making a den in the school grounds from big, heavy items like tarpaulin and mostly recyclable items sourced in the community.
Laurie Pyle, from Brecknock Play Network, said the Playful Schools Programme was allowing the children’s imaginations free rein. She said: “The benefits of the project are; more active, confident and socially adept children. The children are more engaged in lessons now and there’s a physical benefit too.”
She said she hoped future funding would enable the scheme to be extended to other schools in Powys and she said she would be happy to talk to other schools interested in taking up the scheme. She can be contacted on 07813 857474.