Time to Take Stock

Playground improvement is an ongoing process that has progressed with the participation of all stakeholders over two years, and this week we are taking stock of our achievements, at a point where we can choose to transform our playground. 

We heard concern that redeveloping the playground this summer seems too rushed and we need more processing time. Ahead of our Playground Consultation Evening on Thursday 19th March, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on our journey up to now and to look forward.

WHERE DID WE START?  2013 

Developing an Action Plan: 

Sciennes School Council aims to represent the views of all parents. This can be a challenge as Sciennes Primary is a large school and parents and carers have different views on a range of matters.The Communications subgroup has achieved noteworthy success in inviting, sharing and responding to views throughout our school community . In March 2013 the School Council gave the go-ahead to the Communications subgroup to carry out a parent survey, the results of which would inform a School Council Action Plan designed to support improvements at school for the next two years. 

All Sciennes parents and carers were asked how Sciennes Primary could be improved. 212 responses were received with over 600 suggestions. The Parent Council’s partnership with school in facilitating the survey was highlighted as excellent practice by City of Edinburgh. 

The survey identified the playgroundas a key priority amongst parents and pupils for improvement.  Around the same time, Headteacher Alison Noble was inspired by the “Grounds for Learning” programme; an approach that has underpinned proposed developments. 

In April 2013 the Playground Improvement Group (Chair: Alison Noble) was formed by open invitation to engage, plan and make decisions.  

AND IN 2014?
In June 2014 we learned that the procedure for closing a road is protracted and there could be no certainty as to the outcome.

In September 2014 a 3 Phase Plan was proposed and accepted:
Phase 1 academic year 2014/15  
Low cost/ high impact interventions such as living play spaces and ‘Loose Parts Play’ which will be rolled out after Easter
Phase 2  by end of 2015  
Comprehensive reconfiguration and refurbishment of the existing south playground
Phase 3 notionally 2017
Closure of Sciennes Road 

In November a Playground Information meeting was held and all stakeholders were invited.

In December 2014 all members of our community - pupils, staff and parents - were surveyed on the outline playground design, Phase 2

WHERE ARE WE NOW IN 2015?
Listening continues.

If our application for the final round of SportScotland Legacy 2014 Active Places match funding is successful, we would like the project to be completed by the end of the next financial year. 

To be able to build in summer 2015, during a rare seven week holiday, we need to refine the outline design and proceed to the preparation of detailed design drawings in April.

We need to decide where we go now.  

This is an important week for us as a school community. 

We have striven to avoid rash decision making, and to remain steady in our focus on our aspirations.  The Senior Leadership Team and Playground Improvement Group have given these proposals and feedback prolonged thought and discussion.  Throughout this week we have attempted to share our rationale and vision so that we can enter into final consultation in an informed, positive manner, for the benefit of all our children.  

We hope that you are able to attend the Playground Consultation Evening on Thursday 19th 6pm-7pm and if you are unable to attend in person, please feel welcome to email your views to admin@sciennes.edin.sch.uk by Friday 20th March.  

BELIEVE • ACHIEVE