Playground partnership resource packs

The scheme provides awards of between £1000 and £10,000 to primary schools within the UK so that they can enhance children’s play opportunities.

There are categories for mainstream primary schools and special schools.

The scheme is supported by a FREE resource pack which provides a complete guide to the application process and a range of exciting activities to engage the children in real-life learning across the whole school curriculum. The children's involvement in the scheme gives them significant learning opportunities and so serves as a valuable experience, even if the school chooses not to apply for an award or is unsuccessful in its application for an award this time round.

Playground Partnerships encourages:

• A pupil-led approach
• Involvement of the whole school
• Input from the wider school community
• High-quality teaching and learning across the curriculum
• Inclusion of pupils with special educational needs

There is a prize fund of up to £500,000 available for 2007. You can apply for different-sized awards - £1,000, £2,000, £5,000 or £10,000. All schools that are shortlisted will receive at least £250.

Playground Partnerships is financed by Woolworths and its Kids First charity, an independent organisation that provides Woolworths’ employees with the opportunity to support community-based projects that benefit children.

At this stage all that is required is for you to register your interest in receiving an application resource pack when they are published in March 2008.

There is an online form at www.playgroundpartnerships.org/resource-pack.php

You can also e-mail playgroundpartnerships@edcoms.co.uk or call 0870 242 5572.

For more information about Kids First, the Woolworth charity, and what it does in the community you can contact:

Woolworths Kids First
Woolworth House
242-246 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 6JL

There is no closing date and the Playground Partnerships application packs will be issued in March 2008.