Nursery World - Play areas 'affect behaviour'

Better outdoor play areas and playgrounds in early years settings and schools help to increase children's self-esteem and significantly reduce vandalism and bullying at playtime, according to a report published last week. The report, Grounds for Celebration - Measuring the Impact of School Grounds Projects in London, by the school grounds charity Learning Through Land-scapes, found that more than half (52 per cent) of settings whose playgrounds were improved saw a decrease in playtime bullying, while more than 80 per cent said they saw general improvements in children's behaviour and more social interaction between pupils.

The report, Grounds for Celebration - Measuring the Impact of School Grounds Projects in London, by the school grounds charity Learning Through Land-scapes, found that more than half (52 per cent) of settings whose playgrounds were improved saw a decrease in playtime bullying, while more than 80 per cent said they saw general improvements in children's behaviour and more social interaction between pupils.

The report analysed responses from 91 schools and settings in all 33 London boroughs that had received grants from the London Electricity School Grounds Awards Scheme, which is administered by Learning Through Landscapes, since it began six years ago.

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