Playground Markings in Cheshire
What are playground markings?
Playground markings are made from pre-formed thermoplastic that is used to create engaging designs, drawings and outlines that are long lasting and appropriate for most surfaces, including concrete and tarmac. Our thermoplastic material comes in 18 colours that are UV resistant, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Why are playground markings needed for playgrounds?
Encourage an active lifestyle
Being active is so important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In Cheshire, 23.1% of Reception children are overweight or obese, with the figure rising to 33.6% for ages 10-11. This can lead to serious health problems in the long term, as well as self-esteem issues. Getting children into the habit of being active when they are young will make them more likely to have a healthier outcome and be able to carry those practices into their older years.
Don’t forget, the permanence of playground markings means that there is more time for getting active and less time needed for setting up so that’s a real win!
Promote safety
Encouraging children to be active is fantastic and we want to make sure that they can do this in a safe environment. Our playground markings are great for separating different activities so that sedate and active groups don’t crash into each other. Playground markings can also be used to guide children along appropriate routes through the playground and to stay away from areas that are off-limits. You can even use playground markings to teach children about road safety!
Improve mental health
Taking a break allows your brain to absorb information and not become over taxed. This is true for both adults and children so taking care of their mental health when they’re young is vital, especially when considering that clinically-diagnosable mental problems affect 10% of children aged 5-16. Getting outside and active has many mental health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety, to improving sleep and your mood so encourage children to make the most of their breaks.
Recommended playground markings
Variety is the secret to a good playground
While some playground markings are certainly geared to older or younger children, it is important to include a variety of different types of markings. For example, a playground should have those designed for entertainment, exercise and education mixed in. This will make your playground more interesting for the pupils and will also lead to them getting better use out of it.
We helped Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, in Cheshire, create a playground that would facilitate fun and active break times, using our Active Trail Playground Marking, Maths Caterpillar and Mirror Me.
Younger children would love…
Younger children often learn very well through play so using brightly-coloured markings like our Snakes & Ladders, Elephant Phonics and Maths Maze will really help to attract their attention and engage their minds. You can also build your own trail that will be fantastic for keeping them active during playtime and P.E. lessons.
Markings perfect for older children…
For older children, you should consider trying some of our sports courts, which will help them hone their co-ordination skills and can also be used to improve their teamwork. We can combine courts into one space if you do not have a lot of room but would still like to provide a variety for your students. Don’t forget to mix it up a bit with options like Capture the Flag and Darts.
We have a lot of options to make your playground a unique environment where your students can enjoy a safe area that can get their hearts pumping and their brains calculating – both sums and strategies – so get in touch to discuss your Cheshire playground today.