Jun 1, 2011 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Gardening
I’m often asked if ponds are allowed in school grounds. The answer isn’t straightforward. Most local authorities allow schools and settings to have a pond. Some may have local guidance. Always seek permission prior to installing a pond from your line...
Sep 22, 2010 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces
My interest in developing school grounds began before I even began my teacher training. Back in 1990, I was volunteering as a ranger in the Pentland Hills, just outside Edinburgh. One of the rangers was married to a depute head teacher of Wardie Primary School in...
Sep 5, 2010 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Gardening
Note: This blog post was originally published in September 2010. Yet I decided to republish it as the commentary and advice remain relevant to schools and ELC settings today as it did more than a decade ago. In my last post about Inveraray Primary School, I flagged up...
Jun 27, 2010 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Early Years Outdoors, Whole School
When I work with schools and early years settings I discuss the concept of zoning the outdoor area. This is not an original idea. Landscape architects who develop play spaces use zones to turn a “space” into a “place”. Each zone or area is managed for different play...
Jun 24, 2010 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces
This blog post was originally written in June 2010. Although there is no doubt that the outdoor space will now look very different, the idea of a community celebration of the outdoor space is a great way of enabling children and their families to meet and enjoy the...
