Do you have any ideas to make playtime better? Add them to the wall below:
https://padlet.com/mrjwilcock/tul82s0ezqoi2of3`
At Charnwood Primary Academy, we are proud to offer a rich and inclusive lunchtime play experience where every child has the opportunity to belong, thrive and explore.
Our children enjoy the freedom to play in a wide variety of ways, allowing their imaginations to run wild and their creativity to flourish. Lunchtimes are designed to give pupils real choice and independence, supporting them to lead their own play, take risks, solve problems and work together.
Play is a valued part of our school culture and reflects our core values of respect, independence, dedication and integrity. Children play together across year groups, building strong relationships and a genuine sense of community. This mixed-age approach helps pupils feel connected, confident and responsible as part of the wider Charnwood family.
We place great importance on pupil voice. Children feel a strong sense of ownership over their play environment — their ideas are listened to, valued and acted upon, helping us to continually develop and improve our offer.
Our lunchtime provision is continually evolving. Staff receive regular training and work collaboratively to reflect on and adapt our play offer, ensuring it remains engaging, inclusive and meaningful for all pupils.
With a wide range of opportunities available each day, our play environment supports every child to feel safe, inspired and excited.
Charnwood Play Charter
Children came up with their own play charter! Click the link to see their wonderful ideas of how play should be.
According to Play England:
Research shows that play has many benefits for children, families and the wider community, as well as improving health and quality of life. Recent research suggests that children’s access to good play provision can:
• increase their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-respect
• improve and maintain their physical and mental health
• give them the opportunity to mix with other children
• allow them to increase their confidence through developing new skills
• promote their imagination, independence and creativity
• offer opportunities for children of all abilities and backgrounds to play together
• provide opportunities for developing social skills and learning
• build resilience through risk taking and challenge, problem solving, and dealing with new and novel situations
• provide opportunities to learn about their environment and the wider community.
