Pupils at De Lacy Pontefract Primary celebrated the new term with a brand-new Trim Trail. The new playground is a continuation of a £230,000 project which has seen the Pontefract Academies Trust upgrade all of the Early Years Playgrounds in their six Primary Schools.
The Headteacher James Parkinson said, “We are as excited as the children about our Trim Trail. When we saw how much joy the children got out of the Early Years Playground we had to extend it to the whole school. I’ve loved seeing so many of the children turning up to school early and rushing out at playtimes, so they can have a go on the playground and play with their friends. The Trim Trail gives the children a full body workout; the pupils experiment with their balancing skills, exercise their shoulders and arms as they stretch across the sections and negotiate the climbing stones. Then there are of course the short sprints back to the beginning, because you’ll always want another go. As well as stretching the children physically, play gives children a welcome break from the rigours of the classroom and an opportunity to process their learning.”
Nicki Deane, Deputy Headteacher noted, “Playgrounds are also a great way for children to develop their social and emotional skills. As children prepare to go on the equipment, they have to use self-restraint and learn how to take turns. On the equipment, they have to respect others’ personal space and judge how much space the person beside them needs and often demonstrate camaraderie as they encourage their friends to negotiate the equipment. As the children stretch themselves to try new pieces of equipment and master them, it boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to manage risks responsibly. As children contemplate a new activity, they overcome low levels of stress which helps in their resilience. When they don’t succeed, it also helps them process disappointment in a context that isn’t vitally important to their lives and they know they can try again, and again, and again – no matter how many times it takes to master the task.”
De Lacy Primary School is currently in the top 4% nationally for progress made by pupils in reading, writing and maths.
Notes to Editors
- Pontefract Academies Trust is a group of two High Schools and six Primary Schools (Carleton High School, The King’s School, Carleton Park Junior & Infant School, De Lacy Pontefract Primary School, Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Larks Hill Junior & Infant School, Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School, The Rookeries Carleton Junior, Infant & Nursery School). www.patrust.org.uk
- All the Primary Schools are in the top 5% nationally for pupil progression while both High Schools are in the top 15% for progress.
- For additional information and images please contact Anita O’Donovan, Communications and Marketing Manager, Pontefract Academies Trust on 01977 232146
