With UNICEF recognising June 11 as the International Day of Play for children worldwide, HGGT and Sustrans teamed up recently to run a Play Streets event at Hare Street Community Primary School in Harlow.
Custodians of the National Cycle Network in the UK, Sustrans cordoned off the area directly outside Hare Street to give Year One and Year Two pupils the unique opportunity of playing safely in front of the school gates for the very first time across a range of fun activities.
The Sustrans team organised board games, a bubble machine, hopscotch and arts and crafts as well as bikes for the children to cycle safely around the closed road space.
Speaking about the Play Streets event, Sustrans’ David Burt said: “These activities are fantastic for mental health and being outside and playing safely not only makes children more social but improves their concentration and behaviour during the school day.
“It is one of the reasons why we promote children travelling actively to school in the morning, be that cycling, walking or wheeling, that burst of energy can have a real positive effect across the day.
“Our national research shows that 90% of parents and residents would support a regular event to improve safety outside the school.
“It not only improves air quality outside the school gates but encourages regular active travel, helping to reduce local traffic congestion.”
“It is one of the reasons why we promote children travelling actively to school in the morning, be that cycling, walking or wheeling, that burst of energy can have a real positive effect across the day.
Hare Street’s Headteacher, Neil Coster, is also a big advocate of pupils learning in and out of the classroom: “We live in a very screen and tech based culture and when I first joined this school I was amazed that some children couldn’t ride a bike.
“I think that’s socially impactful as it’s those shared interests and outdoor activities where friendships can be formed and built upon for youngsters.
“Being outside and having things to do is so important, enjoying the community and having an interest formulates minds and gives children positive connections with others.”
Harlow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Garden Town and Planning, Cllr Alastair Gunn, believes that HGGT’s new developments will have a unique opportunity to factor in dedicated play and open green spaces that serve local communities: “It would be great to build that infrastructure in across the Garden Town sites at the design phase, not only there but in existing Harlow as well.
“This is what Harlow used to be like, children playing outside regularly, so if we can recreate that and provide safe spaces then it will make the town an even better place, for current children and future generations.
“It’s great to see the Hare Street Community Primary School children so interested in riding bikes and being enthused by cycling at an early age.
“I think we’re seeing that across the town as well, people want active travel infrastructure and we’re delivering that locally right now.
“Walking and cycling is a great way to get around locally, it can get you to some places quicker and keeps you fit and healthy.”
