The grounds of Esh Winning Primary are currently being developed to provide a demonstration site for the School Grounds Development Project. SGDP offers training to practitioners on how to better use their school grounds. SGDP also offers them a comprehensive school grounds design service supported by the LEA and other partners. The projects mission is to show practitioners here at our demo site, the different ways that they can implement elements of a grounds development plan and to advise them on suppliers.

A number of suppliers are installing a range of equipment to compliment the growing and wildlife areas. There are also areas created by the school itself to illustrate what can be achieved on the tightest of budgets. The emphasis is to demonstrate and allow comparison of, different options. The SGDP also wants to illustrate their advice to schools about choosing equipment that develops the children's abilities, is changing / flexible and multi use. Practitioners often find it helpful to see and try different designs before committing to an expensive purchase.

Implementation of the design is an ongoing process but has included the installation of some climbing boulders we believe to be the first in a school in the UK. Work is also underway on the extensive wildlife area and creative play yard.

If you are a supplier, organisation, group or individual interested in supporting this development please contact Philip Wilkinson Tel: 0191 373 9799 or p.wilkinson101@durhamlea.org.uk. Please click on the partners link above to show current supporters of our work and click on latest news to see our current undertakings.

The climbing boulders being trialled on our site

Above are the designs for the boulders inspired by models made by the steering group of pupils involved.

The newly planted willow coppice being watered by an eager volunteer this Easter.

A BTCV crew building the fence around the wildlife area.

The pond in the wildlife area, created by BTCV, getting a little TLC from the Eco Club.

Joanne delivering an INSET course during Summer 2004.