This project will improve Glebelands Primary School’s outdoor spaces to support active play, outdoor learning, and physical wellbeing for all pupils. It includes resurfacing the Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), upgrading playground equipment, and creating dedicated outdoor learning zones. These improvements are especially important for our children living in SIMD Deciles 1 and 2, who may have limited access to safe, high-quality outdoor environments outside of school.
Description
Local Priority: - Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds
We are hoping to improve our school’s outdoor environment, with a focus on creating high-quality play, sports, and learning spaces that support the wellbeing and development of all pupils. Our project will enhance both the physical infrastructure and the educational opportunities available outdoors, while also improving the visual appeal of the school grounds for the wider community.
This includes
upgrading existing play equipment,
improving landscaping,
adding features such as shaded seating areas and interactive ground markings.
resurfacing our current astro pitch and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), which are in need of repair.
dedicated zones for outdoor learning that support exploration, teamwork, and creativity across the curriculum.
The project will enhance the school’s presence in the community. Improving the visual appearance of the playground and grounds from the street will foster a stronger sense of pride among pupils, parents, and local residents, contributing to a more vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood.
Expected Outcomes:
• Increased participation in physical activity, sport, and outdoor learning.
• Safer, more inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities for all pupils.
• Improved physical and mental wellbeing of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• A more attractive and engaging school environment that enhances the community’s view of the school.
• Greater opportunities for community use and connection with the school’s outdoor spaces.
The need for this project has been clearly identified through meaningful engagement with a range of stakeholders, including pupils, parents, staff, and the wider school community.
As part of our planning process, we actively sought the views of our pupils through class discussions, suggestion boxes, and pupil council meetings. Children expressed a strong desire for a more engaging and inclusive outdoor environment. They highlighted specific areas of concern such as outdated play equipment, worn sports surfaces, and a lack of inviting spaces for outdoor learning and quiet play. Many children shared ideas for improvements, including new markings for games, seating areas, shaded spots, and a better space for sports activities. We are part of the Stobswell Community Partnership which sees our school and grounds being used regularly to support holidays clubs and family events.
Our School Parent Group has also been closely involved in discussions about the project. Parents emphasised the importance of high-quality outdoor spaces in supporting children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. They expressed concern that the current facilities do not meet the needs of all learners, particularly those who benefit from outdoor learning and active play. Several parents pointed out that many families in our community have limited access to safe, well-maintained outdoor areas outside of school, particularly those living in SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) Deciles 1 and 2.
Staff feedback and playground observations further support the need for improvements. The astro pitch and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) are currently worn and limit both curriculum-based physical education and informal play. Teachers have also expressed interest in having designated outdoor learning zones to support cross-curricular teaching and encourage engagement among a wider range of learners.
This consistent feedback from pupils, parents, and staff clearly demonstrates a shared priority: to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring outdoor space that supports learning, health, and wellbeing for all children in our school community.
Playground Equipment
Resurfacings of the MUGA, Outdoor Classroom, Bike Shed, Outdoor Chalkboards x 2, Picnic Table x 5, Bug Hotel Planter x 2, Planters for Decoration x 6, Wellie Storage x 2, Fine Motor Wall Panel, Traverse Panels x 2, Builder Engineer Set, Playground Markings, 3 way hopscotch, Snakes and Ladders, Face Compass Clock, Solar System, Outdoor Boom whackers, Harmony Flowers, Junk Music Wall Trip, Wooden Ring Toss, Giant Dominoes, Wooden Skittles, Boules, Giant Tumble Tower, Giant Four in a Row, Skooter Boards x 2
This is not simply a playground improvement project—it is a commitment to equity, health, and education. By upgrading our MUGA, we will ensure that our pupils have access to safe, all-weather sports facilities that encourage lifelong habits of fitness and teamwork. Through the development of outdoor learning areas, we aim to enrich our curriculum and provide more diverse, engaging learning experiences for all children.
We are confident that the project will have a lasting and measurable impact on our school community. The level of support from pupils, parents, and staff is strong, and we have the structures in place to ensure that the space will be well-maintained, fully utilised, and embedded in everyday school life.
We are also committed to sharing our success and learning from this project with other local schools and community partners, helping to build momentum for wider improvements to children’s environments across our area.
In short, this project will not only improve the physical appearance of our school but will significantly enhance the opportunities and experiences available to every child who learns and plays here.
Thank you for considering our application—we are excited about the potential of this project and deeply appreciate your support.
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