The Chartered Accountants'​ Livery Company Charity is providing funding to redesign the playground of a South London Primary School.
 
The primary school has 180 pupils and a higher-than-national average (NA) rate of pupils across all deprivation indicators as follows -
 
Number of pupil premium (PP) of 45% vs. NA of 27%
Free School Meal (FSM) children of 42% vs. NA of 20.8%
Special Education Needs (SEND) of 24% vs. NA of 12.2%
English as Additional Language (EAL) pupils of 37% vs. NA of 19.2%
           
The physical space in the classrooms and playground is small. The playground lacks engaging features that enrich learning, social interaction and play and currently only has a ball court for PE sessions.
 
This project will review and redesign the playground to foster a stimulating learning environment that encourages exploration, interactive areas that encourage role play and social interaction, and quiet areas for study and reflection. This will help pupils connect more with nature, become more active, and learn while playing outdoors.
 
Independent research continues to show the vital role of play in building confidence, social skills, raising educational aspirations and narrowing the attainment gaps for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.