Transforming Spaces for Positive Engagement at Priory Park Community School
Priory Park Community School is an alternative provision independent school in the Wren’s Nest area of Dudley to provide support for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties or who are at significant risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream school.
These students require an environment that not only fosters their growth but also encourages interaction, socialisation, and hands-on learning. Play to Measure, with its dedication to creating inclusive and engaging spaces, took on the challenge of transforming an underused area of the school grounds into a dynamic, outdoor social space.
The Vision: Fostering Engagement and Inclusivity
The aim was clear - to develop a safe and welcoming space where students could socialise, have fun, and engage in a range of hands-on outdoor activities. The school needed a place where young individuals didn't feel confined or restricted, but rather inspired to explore, learn, and collaborate.
Empowering Young Minds: The Collaborative Design and Build Journey
“After opening our school in January 2022 we always dreamt of transforming our overgrown garden at the rear of the school into a purposeful learning and recreational space for our young people. We invited Play to Measure into school to listen to the ideas of our School Council, and we immediately knew they were the guys for the job! They listened carefully to our requirements but then added another level of creativity and fresh ideas to the brief. They then presented the drawings back to our School Council, making amendments as required and keeping the young people involved in every stage of the design. Play to Measure were able to split the build down into three phases to meet our budget constraints and other requirements. During the build we were kept fully informed of all the construction stages and Play to Measure’s detail towards health and safety reassured us that our young people would be safe and school life could continue as normal throughout the transformation. Where it was safe to do so, Play to Measure involved our young people in the build process, sharing valuable construction skills with patience and understanding. We are all so happy and proud of the finished project! Everything has been completed with a great deal of skill and attention to detail. We cannot recommend Play to Measure enough to transform the indoor or outdoor learning spaces for any school, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come!”
The Transformation:
An Outdoor Oasis
Play to Measure's team embarked on the mission to turn this vision into a reality. The result was a multifunctional outdoor dining space that serves as an outdoor classroom.
Incorporated into this transformation was the creation of a pond, complete with self-oxygenating plants, and a rowing boat for children to climb on. These additions added an extra layer of excitement and exploration to the space, offering students the opportunity to connect with nature and experience outdoor adventures within the school grounds.
Features include a barbeque deck and worktops for preparing food together, encouraging teamwork and social interaction. The space is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and creative solutions that bring education and enjoyment together seamlessly.
A Climbing Frame for Growth and Resilience
The project also included the design of a climbing frame and two relaxing hammock swings. Children and young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties often face unique challenges in their development. These challenges can affect their ability to engage with their peers, develop self-confidence, and build resilience. The climbing frame we designed offers opportunities for pupils at Priory Park to build self-confidence by conquering physical challenges, enhancing their self-esteem, and developing resilience. The controlled risk-taking inherent in climbing activities translates into valuable life skills, teaching young people how to assess and manage risks in real life. Physical activity on climbing frames provides a healthy outlet for emotional energy and can promote emotional regulation, helping young people cope with anxiety, anger and stress. Additionally, the social aspect of play on these structures encourages interaction with peers, fostering teamwork, communication, and empathy.
Benefits Beyond the Classroom
By creating an inclusive and interactive outdoor environment, Priory Park Community School is enhancing the well-being and growth of its students.
The newly developed space empowers young individuals to engage with one another, mentors, and practical activities. It promotes exploration, teamwork, and creativity, all essential skills for success both in school and beyond. This project reflects the commitment to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience, where students can thrive in every aspect of their development.
“As the founder of Play to Measure, I’m a firm believer in the transformative potential of inclusive outdoor spaces. The evolution of an underused part of Priory Park Community School’s grounds into a vibrant outdoor social space reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the well-being and educational development of its students. At Priory Park Community School, we’ve witnessed firsthand how our innovative designs can help young individuals with SEMH difficulties build self-confidence, resilience, and valuable life skills. This project stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to crafting engaging and inclusive environments that stimulate personal growth and exploration.”
