Playtimes
Playtimes are a crucial part of the day for the children and we work very hard to make sure that they are a positive experience for all. Over the last few years, there has been significant development of the school grounds. We have installed some outdoor play equipment, which has proved to be very popular with the children.
Yorkley School were the first school in the Forest of Dean to introduce a Scrapstore PlayPod. PlayPods have been shown to transform children’s daily experiences by encouraging them to play together across age and friendship groups and to take and assess risk for themselves. PlayPods reduce the level of playground disputes so children return to the classroom energised and ready to learn.
Buddies
At Yorkley we also operate a ‘buddies’ scheme where volunteers from Years 5 and 6 help the lunchtime supervisors to make lunch times a happy time for the children. Children interested in becoming a buddy complete a job application explaining why they would like the role. Selected pupils are given training before working in the playgrounds and work on a rota basis. New Reception children also have a named Buddy, who support them when they first start.
Play Leaders
Children in Key Stage 2 organise sports activities in the school hall on three afternoons a week. Younger children enjoy these enjoyable structured activities away from the sometimes bewildering atmosphere of the playground whilst Play Leaders improve their own confidence and communication skills.
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- Play Leaders help younger children
