Transforming Spaces for Positive Engagement at Priory Park Community School

November 1, 2023 Keith Rogers

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.

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!

Stuart Playford, Headteacher at Priory Park Community School

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.