The sun shone as pupils and parents at Ballasalla Primary School celebrated its new playing field designed to inspire imaginative play.

Parents were invited to come and join their children at playtime last Friday, 10th July, to experience the newly equipped playing field.

Chris Gregory of the Isle of Man Children’s Centre has designed the new equipment and layout. Chris won the competition run by BBC Countryfile programme to be awarded the title “Professional Wild Hero”. He has been involved in the Right to Play scheme that encourages to children to have the freedom to play and interact outdoors.

The project has been funded by the Friends of Ballasalla School. The boulders and wood have been kindly donated by Colas.

Jamie Cox, Headteacher of Ballasalla School, said of the new playing field:

“It has been fantastic to see the children playing with so much enthusiasm and creativity. We wanted to provide a challenging environment that encouraged problem solving and dialogue between the children. The children are learning to manage their own risks and we have seen a big increase in mixed aged play.”

Pupil Isabella Mackrell aged 6 said:

“I really like the tyre swing. It goes really high and the platforms are good as they are all different heights“

Parent Caly Gardner said:

“The new play equipment is brilliant! The children play together more and want to come to school early just to get more time to play”

Photo - Jai Wyatt aged 7.