schools
Play is an important complement
to the ‘formal’
curriculum
of the school
School grounds which provide a satisfying range of settings for play
for students of different ages and interests are likely to reduce the number
of conflicts. Students are likely to be easier to manage; vandalism is likely
to be reduced and the positive spin-offs include benefits to the student’s
self image and to the image of the school in general. A quality range of
outdoor settings often also provides opportunities for staff to transfer
some activities out of doors.
Students have a variety of interests and will want to play in different
ways at different times. Consequently schools should
provide a range of types of play spaces. Students tend to utilize all of the grounds for their play
(excluding the areas which are out of bounds). Schools therefore need to
consider the ‘package’ offered by all of the outdoor spaces when
planning play areas.
More information
Please download the files listed below from the members area. The links underneath will take you to the members log in page or alternatively if you are already logged in straight to the link. For most of the files you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed which is free to download from adobe.
Opportunity for play must be nurtured if children are to develop physically, emotionally & socially. Aspects regarding playground safety management are examined. i.e. Australian Standards, creating safe play areas, playground equipment, etc. |
This paper has been prepared to assist schools in the development of quality playspaces for all children. Consideration is given to the need for an open space plan, the planning process, etc. |
In traditional Australian Aboriginal societies… each place has its own story, its own melody, & often its own special importance… outsiders cannot read the invisible tracks… Children in school playgrounds have developed a map of the school grounds… its function and value… children’s point of view sadly not being fully respected. |
Play has an important role in human development. The provision of quality play opportunities is an integral part of a good learning environment. Through play, students… Play is an important complement to the ‘formal’ curriculum of the school. |
PRAV suggests that if you are having a problem in your centre that you take the following steps... Contact details of Environmental Health Unit in DHS and a helpful website are provided. |
Providing a pathway for wheeled toy play within a playspace requires careful consideration to minimize potential conflicts of use. Location, design & materials for tracks discussed. |
Reference to Australian Standards for Playground Safety. Areas considered include importance of ground surfacing, fall zones, free height of fall etc. |
There are no playground standards concerning rebound walls however… building regulations will apply & there are other issues to consider. |
Children can be involved in the planting… they will also enjoy learning from participating in… Recommended types of plants for play areas… textures, smells etc considered. |
List of plants suitable for coastal regions & climbers for playspaces. |
List of poisonous plants to avoid. Victorian Poisons Information centre contact details provided. |