About Martongate Primary School

The school is situated in Bridlington (406 pupils), a ‘coastal strip’ town which experiences a high degree of social deprivation. Despite being surrounded by countryside and coast, we are aware that there are many children who live relatively sedentary lives. The pandemic has further impacted on children’s social, emotional and physical wellbeing. Within our coronavirus recovery plan, we are committed to the ‘Active 60’ ambition and developing ways to engage children in adopting healthy lifestyles.

Martongate School is poorly funded and needs donations for a new outdoor adventure play area. The total cost of the project is £63,000; we have already raised £45,000 towards this.

Climbing allows children to improve their coordination and motor skills. We would like to provide a safe and fun climbing and play area to aid a child's imagination and cognitive development through problem solving and memory. The transferable skills learnt will significantly improve all children's life chances, including the many more pupils who will be attending for at least the next 10 - 15 years.

Why There is a Need for This Project

Research shows that young people who are inactive and suffer from the greatest health inequalities, are the least likely to achieve their potential. Play, movement and social interaction improves focus, concentration and behaviour. This has a positive impact on a child’s motivation, learning and productivity in school. This will elevate mood and reduces anxiety.

Large-scale national research indicates that the pandemic has prompted a decline in children’s emotional wellbeing. It identified a significant rise in emotional and behavioural difficulties among primary school children. The school has responded to pupils’ wellbeing and mental health issues in a variety of ways, one is tackling lack of exercise and weight gain.

The issue of declining health and wellbeing has never been so apparent- particularly as a result of the pandemic. Ensuring that we provide a stimulating and age-appropriate offer for ALL our children will have a long term and sustainable impact on our young people and community. We want every child at Martongate to enjoy the benefits of outdoor imaginative play, interaction, physical activity, and understand the importance of moving more.

What The Play Area will Look Like

The plan in the picture shows what the play area will look like and the amazing equipment to play on, such as a performance stage with spectator seating area, a ship wreck, bridges, jungle climbing wall and frames, a wobble board over the water with a crocodile underneath. There is a reading chair area under the tree where pupils can take it in turn to read to each other.

Pretend play is an important part of childhood. We want to provide a safe space for our children to freely play outdoors, express themselves and have fun!