I have recently been doing some research into indoor and outdoor play spaces, considering which designs and equipment can most benefit children. It has been good to have time to look at the latest cutting edge resources. There are some amazing bits of kit out there! However, I have come to the conclusion that things which encourage children to problem solve, work together, explore and create are the best option. These are often simple, traditional items of play equipment and may sound old fashioned - blocks to build with, sand to dig, water to measure, frames to climb - but they continue to provide the foundations of high value play which develops both skills and resilience.
I was also very interested to come across a report which concludes that natural light, temperature, air quality, and colour are amongst the biggest physical factors impacting on pupils’ learning progress.
