We have explored ways to maximise our financial yearly budget to improve the health and well-being of the children attending St John Ogilvie Primary and Early Years in Irvine. As a result, the children of St John's decided that having more outdoor equipment, such as a variety of balls, goal nets, rackets and skipping ropes would benefit them. In addition, the children also asked for more extracurricular activities to promote greater character as well as positive social development.
Project Description
Our project for the school is to promote health and well-being regardless of the Scottish weather or financial constraints. We hope to provide outdoor equipment in order to facilitate sports programmes through volunteers during and after school. In addition, we hope to provide a variety of exploration adventures within the community through means including planting trees, park runs, community litter picking, and nature walks. Some of these acitvites already take place including exploring the local park by our early years children along with staff; however, this would be beneficial for the whole school community as studies have shown that being outdoors promote signifcant health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, better sleep, increasing serotonin, boosting vitamin D production, stronger immunity, and greater physical activity. Additionally, spending time outdoors can boost creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, improve self-esteem, and foster stronger social connections.
Some of the feedback from the children who have already taken part in a variety of these activities is as follows :
'I liked playing with the soft balls because I can shoot them into the hoops (basketball) better' - Aiden (Aged 9)
'The goal nets help me to score a goal - I like playing football' - (Luke aged 11)
'I didn't know that there were bugs in the park' (local play park) - (Chloe aged 4)
'Going for a walk was really fun, we saw lots of planes and cars' (Max aged 3)
Resources required
20 footballs Balls - £80.00
Football nets (£109.99 x 4) - £439.96
Skipping ropes (£49.99 x 3) - £149.97
Waterproof suits for children - £330.07
As these resources would assist in providing opportunities for children to improve their health and well-being, this also allows the opportunity for children and their families to attend with no cost to themselves. Given the levels of deprivation in Irvine, over 40% of children attend St John Ogilvie Primary and Early Years (as per SIMD figures of 2024/25). Therefore, the opportunity to experience sports programmes, outdoor activities, as well as other extracurricular opportunities, is limited to some of the children due to difficulties such as income, employment, and health. Therfore by providing opportunities which are free can ensure that all chidlren within St John Ogilivie offer a creative outlet for self-expression, improve discipline and resilience, and provide a positive space to have fun and relax away from academic pressures, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and future success.
How have young people been involved in shaping this project?
The answer to this question is private.
Location: Boutreehill and Broomlands, Irvine
Proposed on behalf of: St John Ogilvie Primary and early years
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