Wiltshire Council worked with Rounded & Grounded to help schools make the most of their outside spaces to promote the wellbeing of children and provide opportunities for postive social interaction and learning.

Niki Willows uses her background in Play Development, Forest School and Special Needs to connect children and adults with their local environment to show them what is on their doorstep. Nature is free, fun and makes you feel good!

The course: Making the most of your outdoor space - to promote children's wellbeing and opportunities for positive social interaction and learning was provided for schools in June 2015 and February 2016.

Feedback on this course from Wiltshire teachers:

"We are keen to improve our outdoor areas and this course provided lots of ideas.

"A very hands on visual learning course"

"I have lots of ideas from the outdoor sessions to bring to our school"

"Made a brilliant woodlice assault course!!"

"Great in every way"

"Using natural and found materials - as no new materials needed back at school"

"Looking at ways of maximising outdoor areas, even if they are predominantly concrete"

"Thought today was fantastic"

"hands on activities, giving me ideas on simple, cheap ways we can use our outdoor space"

"Thank you for an enjoyable day!"

"new ideas of what to do with spaces available"

"Brilliant can't wait to use at school"

"Niki's experience and enthusiasm came across well during this course which made it even more enjoyable!"

"Going back with lots of ideas to put into practice"

For more information: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/niki-willows-6578516509

The best playspaces are constantly evolving and never ‘finished’. Rounded & Grounded can help you to design the perfect playspace for your setting using what you already have on site, or by adding re-cycled low cost items. Playful environments can be created that are full of opportunities to explore and spark children’s interests. The best places for play and learning have a wealth of loose parts, spaces to sit and chat, run and dance, be quiet and also noisy. However small your space it can be made interesting.

”You really changed my outdoor focus after your visit. I couldn’t see past all the plastic I think! Now it’s all willow, wood, mud, sand and water and the kids love it. I still have a few more ideas and I’m aiming for the whole area to be open ended play. Thank you for making a difference for all the children here” Catherine Howden, Childminder.

‘’Thanks again for visiting the students this year. Their positive feedback at the end of the module has reflected the high quality input given by you.’’

Patrique McGrath. HE Lecturer FdA Education:Early Years and FdA Early Childhood Studies