Junior Leadership Team Meeting

Today, we looked over and discussed some of the design entries for the proposed new outdoor area design competition. We saw a few physical models, a few emailed ideas and some written ideas from various children across the school. From looking over and discussing what we had, we came up with the following points.

Also! If any parents, carers or members of the Dorchester community know of an contractors who could help with the designing and building of this project that would be superbly helpful!

Features we like as JLT:

Having a shaded area
Places to relax, or sit comfortably - outdoor, weather resistant furniture?
Two stories (ground floor and first floor) - some sort of treehouse, climbing frame like structure with a covered space beneath
A slide going from the first floor to the ground
A climbing element
Something physical to do - floor trim trail, tyre trail, sandpit..
Inclusive - Options for all to use regardless of their physical ability
- If two floors, different things to do on each floor
Making sure it is safe for all

Other features we discussed:

Natural design exterior - wood, bark etc - almost blending with the tree and natural surroundings
If a treehouse type structure, a variety of ways of climbing up and getting down - e.g. web-like climbing rope, stairs, rope climb

Questions arising

If a tree house idea is the predominant-agreed structure, how can we ensure this is safe for all?

Suitable soft ground to be included - rubber, bark, wood chips etc?

Where would we store the netball posts as they are currently next to the maze?
How can we incorporate the tree that is currently in space? Can the structure proposed be designed to incorporate the tree currently there?
Water feature? Bottle filling area? Pros - place to fill up water bottles Cons - potential injury, water fights, clothes getting wet
What about safety if a tree house like structure is built and is higher than the surrounding school fence?

Actions!

Can classes please discuss the above points, and make any additions in their year group colours.
SLT, Premises team and governors to discuss the above suggestions to begin to formalise an official proposal for the redesign.