Active Play
Introduction
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting children’s well‑being and development, we are now moving into the embedding stage of our enhanced active playtimes and lunchtimes. Over the last year, we have introduced a new approach designed to help all pupils engage positively in purposeful, active outdoor play. We are delighted to see this becoming a natural and enjoyable part of the school day, particularly at lunchtime. During the spring and summer months, our fantastic purpose built sand pit is accessible to all pupils on a rota basis. It is wonderful to see the children having so many positive lunchtime experiences, including music!
Research continues to show that regular outdoor play supports children’s physical health, emotional well‑being, and social development. Active play encourages children to be imaginative and adventurous, collaborate with others, problem‑solve, build resilience, and take safe, managed risks. In the right environment, these experiences nurture essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution—all while creating the lasting memories that childhood is made of.
Our staff have received training to ensure playtimes and lunchtimes are well‑supported, enjoyable, and inclusive for every child. As we embed this approach more deeply into daily practice, we are already seeing the positive impact on pupils’ confidence, friendships, and overall happiness at school.
We are grateful to all families who have shared feedback and offered support so far. To help us continue providing engaging, high‑quality play experiences, we warmly welcome donations of outdoor play resources. Contributions—big or small—make a real difference and help us create the best possible environment for our pupils.
If you have any questions or would like to offer support, please do get in touch.
Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and partnership.
Mrs Perry, Headteacher
Mrs Cullinane - Forest School leader and PE Lead
July 2025
The Importance of Play
UN Rights of the Child: Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.
At Wheelwright Lane we believe that active play has a vital role in children’s health, happiness and wellbeing. It creates children who are independent, confident, imaginative, adaptable, social and able to assess risks.
Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. This equates to 1.4 years of their school attendance. To ensure that this time and our terrific school grounds are used to their full potential, our school has adopted an active play approach. This enables the children to explore play in their own imaginative ways.
We believe that play is essential for physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual development of each child. An active play approach promotes a more inclusive play environment and provides more opportunities to develop life skills like cooperation, teamwork and problem solving.
In March 2024, we surveyed different stakeholders for their views on play time, they highlighted the need for enhanced play opportunities. Some of the comments were; ‘I’d like my child to have the opportunity to play with children from different year groups’, ‘the children need more resources’ and ‘I’d like my children to have the same opportunities that I did as a child – more outdoor play, be able to climb trees and explore the natural world around us’.
Eating Outdoors
We know that children will often rush their food in order to get outside in the fresh air to play so why not take food outside!
We have a number of picnic benches and seating areas that the children can sit to eat with their friends and the fantastic donations of picnic blankets will mean that children have the perfect space to eat. Of course, there will still be the option for children to eat in the hall with their packed lunch if they wish. All school hot dinners must still be eaten indoors.
Active Play Clothing
As part of our Active Play initiative, children are encouraged to access play across the whole outdoor site, including the fields, regardless of weather.
Your child will need to bring every day:
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A coat with hood and a pair of named wellies.
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Waterproof trousers are also encouraged so your child doesn’t need to worry about getting their school clothes wet/dirty when they are lifting tyres, pallets or playing in dens!
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Spare clothes in a bag will help your child to be prepared if they get carried away and be clean and dry ready to go back to the classroom
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Trainers will allow your child to play games such as football with their friends and access areas such as the climbing wall.
This is so they can engage in play across all areas, every day, regardless of the weather. Without wellies they will unfortunately have to be restricted to the main playground only.
All items of clothing and footwear must be labelled with your child’s name.
Related Documents
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Health and Safety Executive: Children’s Play and Leisure
Risk Assessment for Active Playtimes
Wheelwright Lane’s Play Principles
Wheelwright Lane’s Children’s Play Charter
National Playing Fields Association: Best Play Booklet
Also see our Active Play Policy on our Policies page.