Nursery children have a new bounce in their step

The grass is greener for children attending the Nursery at Colston’s Lower School, and there’s a new bounce in their step.

The nursery play area now has brand new artificial grass covering its entire 350 square metres.

	Trudy May, Early Years Foundation Stage Coordinator at Colston’s Lower School, helps children cut the ribbon to open their new-look (and new-feel) play area.

The material, NoMow Impact, has been developed especially for young children. It looks and feels natural with its own ‘thatch’, is soft and touchable, won’t graze skin and could have a 20-year life.

The bouncy factor is significantly up too, and especially around the climbing frame and tree stump where impact absorption is built in. There are now layers of felt and rubber shock pads under the surface.

Apart from tidying up falling leaves or debris it is maintenance free. The depth of ‘cut’ remains at 40mm (no mowing), and lawn stripes can be added by simply rolling it.

	Impact absorption is built in around the climbing frame

Trudy May, Early Years Foundation Stage Coordinator, said: “The children are loving it. They are treating it like a garden or a park rather than a playground, and playing in a more constructive way.

“We have always used the outdoor area every day and for a large part of the day, but now it’s more appealing. The surface is so safe and clean that the children instinctively want to take their shoes and socks off.

“They actually want to be out there most of the time, and we can accommodate that! I am genuinely surprised how much difference it has made and how much the children are enjoying it.”