GOLD Lunchtimes
Here at St Peter's, we wanted to try something different in regards to how we approached our lunchtime play. Our aim was to provide the structure needed to help transform the play experiences for all of our children. So, what should meaningful play look like?
Previously, we used the field in the drier terms when the weather was favourable and then in the colder and wetter terms, we used our KS2 playground, which, due to its size, struggled to accommodate all of the children. Activities mainly revolved around ball games; however equipment got broken and balls were lost, resulting in frustration for the children.
Our wish was for the children to be able to access more purposeful play, by utilising our school field, forest school area and woodland walk, all year round. We envisaged free flow access from the EYFS playground through to the field and for children to be able to choose where they wanted to be. For us as educators, we felt that play should unite the children in a common goal. Play should motivate and challenge their imaginations. Our children should be able to freely choose the type of play they wanted to take part in and play should offer them all, the chance to explore and express themselves, in a safe environment.
Changing weather would not be a barrier to this new approach to lunchtime play. For this to happen, the children would need to have the appropriate footwear and waterproofs so that they could safely and comfortably access all areas, all year round.
We have just started our GOLD Lunchtimes this term (Term 2), on Monday 4th November. Very early feedback from the children has been extremely positive - they have loved the new experience. As we move forward, we will listen to their opinions and continue to adapt the play and add to the resources to make it enjoyable and valuable to them. 
Should any of our parents wish to support this, please see our wish list of resources. Thank you for your continued support.
The gallery below shows GOLD Lunchtimes in action...
