PlayPod – Turning waste into creative, sustainable play
Explore how West Coker Primary School’s PlayPod transforms recycled materials into imaginative, engaging play that supports wellbeing, teamwork and sustainability…
- by Philip Hyland
- Headteacher at West Coker Primary School in Somerset
A PlayPod is essentially a secure outdoor structure filled with loose parts. This includes everything from cardboard tubes and ropes, to tyres, fabric, crates, and even old keyboards.
You could definitely construct one of these yourself, using donated items (making sure they’re safe and clean, of course). However, we got ours from Bristol-based charity, Children’s Scrapstore, which sources its materials from local businesses and industries.
When we first decided to introduce a PlayPod as a sustainable option into our playground at West Coker Primary School, we thought we’d just be providing an interactive and engaging environment to allow our pupils to really enjoy their breaks and lunchtimes.
We had no idea we’d also see improvements in behaviour (both inside the classroom and out) and a boost in social interaction and overall wellbeing.
Loose parts play
The best thing we found about the loose parts is that there is no set way to use them. A cardboard roll might be a telescope one day, a tunnel for toy cars the next. A pile of tyres can become a castle, a racetrack or even a spaceship to Mars.
The materials invite children to use imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills to invent their own games and structures. It’s a wonderful example of how sustainability and education can go hand-in-hand, and has been transformative for our children.
Pupils now work together more. The nature of the imaginative play has also meant an increase in physical activity, meaning happier, healthier children.
Turning waste into play
The PlayPod is more than just a play resource, too. By repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, the initiative reduces waste and promotes a circular economy.
Items such as carpet tiles, foam and surplus industrial components are given a second life as tools for play.
This approach diverts waste from disposal while educating children about the value of reuse and recycling in a tangible, hands-on way.
This ethos aligns perfectly with our village school’s broader sustainability goals. These include reducing our environmental footprint and embedding eco-conscious values into the everyday curriculum.
Getting businesses involved
For this initiative to thrive, we need a steady stream of materials for our PlayPod, as things like cardboard do get used up over time.
Whilst Children’s Scrapstore provides regular top-ups, we’re keen to strengthen sustainability efforts by sourcing additional materials locally. This not only improves our eco-credentials, but bolsters ties with the local community as well.
The idea is that we’ll launch a ‘Waste to Play’ campaign, inviting local businesses to donate clean, safe surplus materials to the PlayPod.
Many companies throw away items that are perfect for play and there’s huge potential in diverting this waste to the playground.
By partnering with businesses like these, we’re hoping to:
- reduce landfill waste by diverting reusable materials
- foster a sense of shared responsibility for sustainability throughout our school and local community
- provide businesses with a positive social impact story, which will enhance their corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile
It’s a win-win.
This campaign will take a bit of time and organising to make it work, but we’re confident it will all be worth it.
We plan to break the process down into four steps, making sure we address all the angles. The steps will look like this:
1. Identify potential partners: we will approach local manufacturers, retailers and service providers; particularly those producing non-toxic, durable materials.
2. Communicate clear guidelines: we’ll also provide businesses with a simple list of what’s safe and useful, taking the guesswork out of the donation process.
3. Saying thank you: supporters will be celebrated in newsletters, social media posts and at school events to showcase their contribution to children’s wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
4. Making it easy: designated collection points or scheduled pick-ups will remove barriers for busy businesses, meaning organisations of all sizes should be able to take part.
The future is ours
Of course, sustainability isn’t a one-time deal; it takes continued effort and adaptability to make sure the school is doing all it can to improve its eco-credentials.
For us at West Coker Primary School, the PlayPod is just the beginning. We aim to not only keep it stocked with materials, but plans are also underway to integrate loose parts activities into our eco-club projects, and share best practices with other schools in Somerset.
Tips for making your own PlayPod
1. Embrace the mess: loose parts play looks chaotic at first, but it’s purposeful and deeply creative. Trust the process.
2. Get the whole community involved: parents, local firms and pupils can all contribute materials and ideas.
3. Link it to your curriculum: from science (forces, materials) to PSHE (teamwork, problem-solving), loose parts activities open up real learning opportunities.
Most of all, have fun with it! There is no limit to children’s imaginations, and one of the greatest joys is turning up to school to see what they’ll come up with next.
Philip Hyland is the headteacher at West Coker Primary School in Somerset.
