Before we started working with Therese and the Positive Playtime award programme, we identified that behaviour inside school was good, though we were having some challenges in the behaviour at playtimes, and with staff turnover we needed to look at a focus on creating positive playtimes again.
We have worked hard over the last 9 months to develop a consistent approach to behaviour and relationships at playtimes and lunchtime. We have rules that are displayed outside in the playground and the dining room, there is a clear rewards and sanction system with good to be green, praise pads, Positive Playtime award stickers, good playground behaviour stickers and lunchtime award wrist bands. We use warning and consequence cards, a monitoring system, Lunchtime Awards, and restorative conversations are used by lunchtime staff to support conversation with the children. We regularly notice good behaviour and use positive language to praise and reinforce good behaviour.
We have a variety of different zones in the playground which we have established, that display many positive play practices, such as a game zone of the week, craze of the week, a music and dance zone, a table tennis zone, football zone, basketball zone and trim trail. We have Active All Boards to develop fitness and coordination, tabletop picnic benches, a colourful sports running track, organised sports, table football and table tennis. There is a buddy bench, drawing walls, tabletop snakes and ladders and chess, a gym equipment zone, free play zone and nurturing inside zone, a quiet area that is staffed for those children who want to remove themselves from the business and noise of the playground, who maybe want to enjoy colouring in, or other quieter activities.
We involve lunchtime supervisors in all our decision making, which they appreciate and our playleaders are really enjoy their jobs, they love their roles of being buddies, engaging with the younger children and developing a wide range of games.
We have also developed a positive dining experience for all at lunchtimes, with variety of good quality and nutritional lunches. We have introduced a Friday VIP Golden table, as a special reward for children who keep the dining halls rules.
As a result of the Positive Playtime Award Programme we;
– Have calm dining hall at lunchtimes
– Are meeting our 30% of daily activities to meet the Childhood Obesity Plan.
– Behaviour incidents have reduced by approximately 80%. We have improved learning and behaviour.
– Getting lunchtime right has a 100% positive knock on effect and the children are more able to learn particularly in the afternoon.
– There is a huge diversity of play opportunities, no one is left out, we are including and meeting the needs of all children.
– Children are feeling a boost in their confidence, and often say lunchtimes are their favourite time of the day.
– Parents are happy.
– We have fewer accidents; children are more focused on the activities.
– There is a strong pupil voice.
We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Therese and her Positive Playtimes, it has had a huge and beneficial impact on our children, their wellbeing and learning, but not only that it has had a great impact on the staff and the school as a whole as well.
Sarah Hudson
Assistant Headteacher
Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, Dartford
