New playground put to the test by Ipswich Prep School pupils
Pupils at Ipswich Prep School spent their first day back this term climbing, balancing and exploring a brand-new playground, officially opened by the Mayor of Ipswich in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Why it matters: The new play structure gave pupils an exciting welcome back to the classroom, with the school saying outdoor play helps children develop key social, emotional and physical skills.
The details: The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne, joined Prep Head Lucy Southgate, representatives from the Friends of Ipswich School and pupils for the ceremony marking the playground's opening on Thursday, 3 September. Pupils then had their first chance to try out the new equipment, with children climbing, balancing and exploring the structure during an extended first play session.
What they're saying: Lucy Southgate, Head of Ipswich Prep School, said: "It was wonderful to welcome our pupils back for the start of a new school year and to see their excitement as they experienced their new playground for the first time.
"Outdoor play is such an important part of children's development. Alongside supporting physical health and coordination, it helps children develop important social and emotional skills, including cooperation, communication, resilience, independence and problem-solving.
"Time outdoors gives children the freedom to use their imaginations, build friendships and simply enjoy playing together, helping them to return to the classroom refreshed, focused and ready to learn."
For context: The new play structure was funded by the Friends of Ipswich School, with the school's Estates Team working over the summer to have it ready for the first day of term.
Southgate added: "We are extremely grateful to the Friends of Ipswich School for funding the new play structure, and to our Estates Team for all their hard work throughout the summer to ensure the playground was ready for the first day of term. It was also a pleasure to welcome the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne, to officially open the playground and share such a special moment with our pupils."
The bottom line: The new playground gave Ipswich Prep School pupils a memorable start to the academic year, with the school crediting outdoor play as a key part of children's development.
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