School grounds matter because they are the one space all children have access to. They can spend as much as 25% of their time in their grounds, making friends, playing games, challenging themselves with new experiences and learning about their own abilities and the world around them.
School grounds can be a valuable resource for teaching across the curriculum. Children read messages and meanings from how their school grounds are designed and managed, and this can impact on their attitudes and behaviour.
National school grounds charity, Learning through Landscapes, helps schools and early years settings make the most of their outdoor spaces for play and learning.
School grounds are essential to children's learning and development, providing opportunities for healthy exercise, creative play, learning through doing and getting in touch with the natural world. All children have the right to enjoy and benefit from well designed, managed and used school grounds.
For more information visit Learning through Landscapes.
Planning your grounds
Survey work is essential before you make any changes to your grounds. This section will help you find out what you already have and how to identify your issues and needs
If somebody looked at this school and the playground with just plain cement they will think it's not much of a place.
Getting People Involved
The most successful school grounds projects enjoy active participation from across the school community
Making Physical Changes
Some of the changes you are planning might be suitable for pupils, parents, or staff to help with – find out more here
Safe and Challenging Play
Allowing children to take acceptable risks is important - managing risk and challenge are vital aspects of their learning and development
More information
Find out how research has demonstrated the benefits of improved school grounds, including better pupil attainment, attitudes and behaviour
