Playground Pals

Playground Pals

Mount Vernon Primary School

Why?
The main reason for the initiative, apart from encouraging healthier and more active playtimes, was to encourage harmonious play within a reduced play area in the winter months when the children couldn't get onto the grassy areas which we have at Mount Vernon. In the wetter seasons the children's play area was practically halved. Playground Pals encouraged a more focussed playtime thus reducing any potential for minor disputes.

Pupils say, “Our playground is very small, this caused a lot of arguments”, “younger boys and girls also needed some help to play together, they were to learn more about being friends”

What?
Pupils:
• Attended training with help from an Active Schools Co-ordinator
• Teach games
• Encourage safe play
• Encourage lots of activity
• Help children to be fair
• Help Playground Supervisors
• Look after any equipment

Principal Teacher said, “Children have more opportunity to be included in playground games because Playground Pals encourage everyone to participate”

How do we know it was a success?
• Pupils now have more opportunity to play fun, new games with someone guiding and helping with rules and decisions.
• Fewer children are left out of activities because Playground Pals know to target anyone who seems at a loss in the playground.

Pupils say, “Some of us are now more calm and patient”, “Children not only play better now but are also more active”

Factfile
Mount Vernon Primary School is situated in Glasgow and has a school roll of 286

Want to know more?
Contact Anne Marie McDonald, Principal Teacher, AMCDONALD@mountvernon-pri.glasgow.sch.uk