Playtimes at Cubbington
Did you know that playtime accounts for 20% of a Child's school day? That equates to 1.4 years of their primary education. It is therefore vital that we create an environment which enriches and develops their playtime.
Play is vital for children's development, benefiting social skills, creativity, brain development, emotional resilience, physical growth, confidence, and learning.
At Cubbington we have created an environment where children are given the opportunity to "free play." This involves providing diverse opportunities and allowing children to take control, use their imagination, and direct their own activities.
By providing an environment whereby children are given the opportunity to “free play”, we believe that children will:
1.Be encouraged to use their imagination, problem solving and innovation;
2.Be more active and engaged in their play;
3.Learn how to work collaboratively and how to manage disputes;
4.Be happier, experience less anxiety and an overall benefit to their mental health.
5.Learn to identify and manage risks.
To help us with this, we are starting to look for everyday loose items that we need to enhance the children’s creativity. The items we are looking for will encourage construction, imaginative play and collaboration.
How are we doing this?
We are incredibly lucky to have a beautiful outdoor space made up of grass, trees, hills, ditches and lots of wildlife. This is fittingly named "the Meadow" and children have access to this all year round. All children have a pair of wellies in school so that they are equipped for playtime in all weathers.
Our PTA raised funds in 2024/25, and continue to raise funds, to develop our outside areas. So far, we have provided welly sheds so that every class has somewhere to store wellies, repurposed our playgrounds to make them a safer and more accessible space and designed and installed a bespoke outdoor kitchen area.
We have collated loose parts for the children to play with but this is a constant project. We continue to build on this and any donations are always gratefully received. Below is a list of ideas but if you think you have something that the children would enjoy playing with, please get in touch with the office to check whether it is suitable.
Will my child get muddy?
Yes, they might, especially during the winter months. Our climate brings a lot of rain and mud and in order for our children to enjoy being outside, they will at times get muddy. However, try to remember that if they come home dirty, they have most likely had a LOT of fun and their learning has been enhanced by the power of play!
Wellies will help with this and you are welcome to send a spare set of clothes in to school in case your child gets uncomfortably muddy. We do have lots of second-hand uniform in school which is always available if you’d like to have a look. We will try to ensure this is available again soon for you to look at after school.
We are also asking for your patience if your child comes home muddy. We will help the children to learn that they should not deliberately coat themselves in mud but there may be times that it is unavoidable.
Will you go outdoors in wet/cold weather?
Children benefit greatly from time outdoors, even when it is rainy. Outdoor play supports physical activity, social interaction, resilience, and emotional well-being. With the right clothing and clear routines, outdoor wet-weather play is safe, enjoyable, and developmentally valuable.
Benefits for Children
Physical Health
Children generally move more outdoors than indoors. Navigating puddles, wet surfaces and varied terrain supports balance, coordination and strength. Fresh air also helps reduce the spread of common seasonal illnesses.
Social and Emotional Development
Rainy-day play encourages teamwork, imaginative games and shared problem-solving. Being outdoors can also reduce stress and support emotional regulation.
Learning and Curiosity
Rain creates rich opportunities for enquiry-based learning. Children naturally explore water flow, sound, texture and weather patterns, building scientific thinking and language skills.
Building Confidence and Resilience
Experiencing different weather helps children learn to manage mild discomfort, assess risks safely and develop independence.
How We Keep Wet-Weather Play Safe
Appropriate Clothing
We encourage children to bring waterproof coats to school. Well-fitting waterproof wellies or shoes with good grip are important.
Supervision and Safety Checks
Staff carry out quick surface checks before going outside and monitor pupils closely during play. Children are guided on safe play routines in wet conditions.
Staying Indoors
While we encourage outdoor play in most weather conditions, there are times when it is safer and more appropriate for children to stay indoors, such as during times of adverse weather warnings. Our aim is always to balance children’s need for fresh air, movement and play with their safety and well-being
Drying-Off Routines
After play, children follow established routines for drying off, changing layers if needed and returning calmly to learning.
What Parents Can Do
• Ensure your child has a waterproof coat in school year-round.
• Consider providing a spare pair of socks or waterproof trousers during wetter months.
• Label clothing clearly to help children manage their belongings independently.