Bristol play charity Children’s Scrapstore is asking local businesses to donate more scrap materials so it can keep up with demand from schools for its pioneering PlayPod.
The charity is celebrating installing its 50th Scrapstore PlayPod – a large box filled with donated waste or scrap which children use for outdoor play.
The pods transform children’s experiences at school by giving them the opportunity to play together while also preparing them for classroom learning. PlayPods have also been known to reduce playground disputes.
Children’s Scrapstore chief executive Jeff Hill said: “This is a major landmark for us and we’re now receiving enquiries for PlayPods from across the region and as far afield as Birmingham. They can make a real difference to life at school. Children enjoy playing with the waste items and headteachers report that children are happier and more ready to learn after a PlayPod lunchtime with significant improvements in reported behaviour.
“We all know from our own experience that young children are often as happy to play with the box as with the toy that comes in it and this is the same principle with a Scrapstore PlayPod. It gives children something wonderful to play with in the playground, using their imaginations and learning to work together which are all vital parts of a child’s development.”
Louisa Munton, headteacher at Shirehampton Primary School, which recently received a Scrapstore PlayPod, added: “The children and the staff are so excited about the Scrapstore PlayPod. In just a few days it’s already transformed playtimes. They’re building tyre swings and hammocks, building shelters and dens and generally enjoying the opportunity to play and use their imagination. And there’s a real learning benefit too. They’re coming back into class after lunch engaged and excited and ready to learn.”
Scrapstore now needs more waste from businesses that they routinely throw away – anything from giant flexible tubes, crates and netting to unwanted phones, keyboards packaging and workwear – to put in the pods.
Collections from businesses are usually free, saving money on waste disposal as well as ensuring that material is put to good use.
“There’s no end to the things children dream up to do with the items many businesses throw away. By donating to Scrapstore, businesses can save money and reduce landfill,” said Jeff.
For more information businesses can email suppliers@childrensscrapstore.co.uk or phone 0117 908 2091.
