Playground Markings in Wiltshire
What are playground markings?
Playground markings are thermoplastic lines or designs on playgrounds that are used to entertain and educate children. They can include hopscotch, large versions of board games like Snakes & Ladders, all the way up to courts for sports like basketball and tennis. These playground markings are normally brightly-coloured, which can encourage children to be more active and to join in with the activities.
Why are playground markings needed?
There are several important reasons for using playground markings in your Wiltshire location. When the children are able to go outside during lunch times, it will give them a chance to play, which will provide a much-needed break but it’s important for them to have something interesting to do to avoid boredom and restlessness.
Keep children safe
Playground markings will also give a designated area for certain games if you want to keep the younger children away from the older children for example. Having access to these activities during school hours will mean that they can be supervised and will provide a better environment for them.
Encourage an active lifestyle
There are also some concerns over obesity in children so giving them options for play can help to reduce this. According to the NHS, one in five children aged 10-11 is obese. A study by the Wiltshire Council Public Health in January 2020 stated that ‘20.7% of Reception age children (4-5 year olds) and 28.2% of Year 6 children (10-11 year olds) have excess weight’. To help combat this, Wiltshire Obesity Strategy’s Healthy 4 Life e-toolkit has many useful ideas.
Improve mental health
10% of children aged 5-16 have clinically diagnosable mental health problems so it’s important to look out for their mental wellbeing, as well as their physical wellbeing. According to mental health charity Mind, physical activity can boost your mood, help you sleep better and help you to manage stress, as it releases ‘feel-good hormones’. Even a small amount of activity can help so there’s all the more reason to encourage children to get outside and play.
What playground markings we’d choose
It’s a good idea to have a wide range of different markings, as even within a school there will be a variety of developmental stages between the different years. Children are very creative and you may find that in addition to the way the game or activity was intended, that they have developed their own version, providing extra hours of entertainment.
Younger children will benefit from having games that focus on numbers, letters and coordination, so consider clocks, hopscotch, numbered playground markings, alphabets, phonics, and trail playground markings that require the children to focus on different mobility skills. It doesn’t all have to be focussed on activity though, you could include a map of the world or even a today I’m feeling playground marking with a range of emotions to help to check in with the children and their mental health.
For older children, our sports playground markings will be fantastic. Not only are they great for PE lessons but can be used during break times too! In addition to court sports, you can include circuit training markings, running tracks, bleep test markings or long jump markings.
School budgets for Wiltshire are currently being decided so if your school playground or recreational area would benefit from playground markings, take a look at our selection of fun and educational offerings.