Sharing spaces: school playground design and children's well-being

The shared space of school grounds can provide a rich educational resource in addition to a safe environment for play, enjoyment and relaxation. The project described in this paper developed guidance for schools on grounds development and also provided direct support to three schools to enable them to improve their grounds and to work towards Eco Schools and Health Promoting Schools accreditation. The evaluation demonstrated a relationship between improved grounds and a reduction in negative playground incidents, improved co-operation at break times, children having more pride in their school, children feeling happier at break time, increased sun awareness and the use of school grounds as a teaching resource. The project also achieved some influence at a more strategic level.