The problem area was in a corner, hidden from the main courtyard by the outdoor toy storage and shaded by trees and a nursery playroom. It was also next to a fence, which was, unfortunately, too easily scaled by vandals. So we were restricted in what we could put there. Benches and equipment not cemented into the ground just gave an easy exit to intruders.
We wrote to local DIY shops asking for donations, and B&Q agreed to donate about 3.5m by 3m of decking. Our deputy's husband was 'persuaded' to lay it. He dug a deep trench, pounding it even. On top he laid polythene and then a bed of gravel, and could easily have laid the decking on that, but being a perfectionist, he bedded it down on posts and concrete.
The staff took the children to buy half a dozen little brightly coloured plastic chairs, light enough for them to carry and move about as they wish, and a bench. The bench was painted blue to match some other things in the outdoor area. The bench is taken indoors every night.
Now we have children riding up to the decking area, which gives shade from the summer sun, parking their bikes, scooters and prams, settling down on the seats and having a right old chin-wag! It's brilliant. Socialising, conversation, storytelling and role play all happen spontaneously and without adult intervention. I'm sure a few cunning plans are hatched here, judging by the giggles and subsequent mischief, but that's all part of childhood and must only be encouraged.
More information
B&Q supports community schemes through its 'Better Neighbour' grants and its 'You Can Do It' community awards. See www.diy.com.
