childrens outdoor play toys

Anyone thinking of purchasing School Playground Equipment for their School or other educational institute must consider several factors before making a decision. Such as, which age group are you aiming at? How can you ensure that you supply the correct school play equipment for the ages concerned that will keep them excited yet safe at the same time? Which materials are best utilized?

Lets start by breaking the play equipment range down into three age groups. Toddlers through to infant school, ages 1-6. Junior School ages 7-11 and lastly teens. Trying to accommodate for all these age groups in one place, although do-able, will more than likely be unsuccessful. Particularly nowadays when many young children wont approach a play area surrounded by teens for fear of reprisal. Consider one or two of the age groups and aim at these, or separate the play areas so smaller children will feel more at ease at playtime.

Now everyone knows that little kids have big imaginations. Incorporating playground graphics into their outdoor play environment is a hugely successful way of encouraging imaginative play and keeping small children active. Creative development is one of the six areas of learning for the outdoor curriculum. Incorporating imaginative play equipment such as wooden ships, trains and castles mean that those little minds can travel anywhere that their imaginations can carry them within the safety of the school playground. Also incorporating something that rocks such as a horse or swings will prove popular as small children gain comfort in all things that rock.

Moving onto slightly older children at junior school. At this age adventurous play is imperative for developing confidence and co-ordination. Climbing frames and adventure trails are perfect for developing these skills. There are low-level and high-level adventure trails available. The high-level trails obviously require a degree of climbing skill and co-ordination so are recommended for the older children but the low-level trails are great for developing these balancing skills at this age. Climbing frames are great if you are limited for space and wish to incorporate several challenges into the playground. Most activity frames will come with scrambler nets, horizontal ladders and rope walks. You will notice these are mostly built to go round in a circle (or a square) this is to encourage social interaction with other children.

Lastly we look at the older age range of children using school playground equipment. Using a clever mixture of high-level adventure trails and play sport equipment you can ensure that even the toughest teen can't resist joining in at playtime. High-level adventure trails will encourage them to show off their climbing skills to their peers and motivate their thoughts at the same time as helping to build strong muscles.

Outdoor sports is something that divides teens opinions. I remember going from heading the schools netball team to victory, to hiding out in the school toilets with my friends for fear of having to be involved in any physical activity at school. However nowadays there is so much permanent outdoor sport equipment it would be hard to resist a 4-way ball shooter! This not only enhances hand to eye co-ordination but encourages co-operative play in a fun environment working as individual or part of a team.

School playground equipment can be tailor-made for your specific needs. Never compromise on low priced materials such as plastics. Always ensure that the best quality parts and materials are used. Think of the safety of your children when choosing playground equipment for your school and ensure that the manufacturer has upheld all standard necessities as far as safety goes. Choose a play equipment provider that also provides equipment for local authorities and you can't go far wrong.