School day learning and playtimes have been transformed through a radical new play area built with the help of £5,000 from Bags of Help. 

Staff and pupils worked with a landscaper to change the topography of a flat grass area, introduce a large permanent sandpit plus natural play structures. The school has no locked gates, so the local community also has access out of school hours, meeting the needs of the wider community as well as pupils.

“Our playground has been transformed! This has led to lessons being delivered in a creative and engaging way; children's play has been changed dramatically; and our school has a focal point for members of the community to meet informally out of school hours. The impact is far reaching, with members of the local community making use of our playground too!”

- Mark Murray, Depute Head Teacher

Staff use the area to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in everything from maths and science, to PE and drama. The flat, uninspiring landscape of the playground has been changed dramatically, lending itself to more child-led imaginative play.

The surprise addition has been the way families use it at the end of the school day, and the way this is developing the school community. Families congregate in the new area, as children play with parents and each other. This also gives parents an opportunity to network, discuss their child's progress, and get involved with the wider life of the school.

Key Facts

Location: Falkirk, FK2 7JS
Project Type: Playground improvements
Bags of Help Funding: £5000
Grantee: St Francis Xavier's Primary School
Website: www.st-francis.falkirk.sch.uk

View the printable pdf  Transforming Play at St Francis Xavier's

See all Tesco Bags of Help Case Studies

Up to £4000 is available from Tesco Bags of Help to support a wide range of projects that benefit your local community. Tesco Bags of Help is administered by Groundwork working with greenspace scotland to support applicants and successful projects in Scotland. 
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