Whether you’re a babysitter, an early years teacher or a parent, you’ll know how much your little ones love playtime.
It’s one of the most important parts of your child’s early life, and even though we rarely associate playtime with learning, its significance shouldn’t be underestimated – especially where their early education and development is concerned.
School playground equipment, among other things, can provide numerous benefits to childhood development by promoting fitness, improving a range of skills and encouraging a healthy mind and attitude.
But how exactly can school playground equipment help boost child development?
It promotes good physical health
According to the NHS, school-aged children (5-16) need at least an hour of exercise every day.
However, recent NIRH-funded studies (led by the University of Bristol) found that by the end of 2021, little more than a third (36%) were meeting these recommended guidelines.
Because of this, schools across the country are being actively encouraged to promote outdoor activities for all children.
Outdoor school playground equipment, such as climbing frames or adventure trails, is the ideal way to pique their interests and help them engage in physical activity outside of their PE lessons.
Not only is this kind of equipment innovative and fun, but it also helps to engage their entire body while developing a variety of skills.
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It helps develop essential skills
From fine and gross motor skills to coordination and balance, school playground equipment is great for teaching children a whole host of essential skills.
Let’s take a climbing frame for example.
As children play and move across the frame, they will be able to develop a sense of self-awareness – learning to judge where the equipment is in relation to their bodies.
It nurtures balance, and as they grip handlebars or other features, they’re given the opportunity to practice fine motor skills, just as moving their legs will assist with their gross motor skills as well.
It can improve mental health
Young people’s mental health and well-being have never been more important than it is today.
Recent reports show that 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 are battling a mental health condition – that’s five children in every typical classroom of thirty.
Just like us adults, kids need a way they can blow off a bit of steam, and equipment in the playground at school can help them to do just that.
It offers a unique opportunity to engage children in play and make them want to spend time outside.
Fresh air and a bit of sunshine does a world of good for our mental health and the physiology of sunlight promoting the release of serotonin shouldn’t be ignored.
No – going outside won’t cure mental health issues completely, but it certainly is beneficial. Especially when it comes to supporting brain development in children.
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Ready to invest in school playground equipment?
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of school playground equipment, what are you waiting for?
Get in touch with a specialist play equipment manufacturer, like the team at Setter Play, to discuss the ideas you have for your school playground.
They’d be more than happy to help!
