Maylandsea Primary School launched a brand-new Scrap Store Play Pod this week, designed to transform playtimes by offering children a unique opportunity to engage in creative, imaginative, and active play.

The Play Pod, developed in partnership with Suffolk at Play, is filled with a wide variety of recycled and repurposed materials – from fabric rolls, cardboard tubes, and crates to ropes, tyres, and dressing-up items. These open-ended resources encourage children to invent games, collaborate, problem-solve, and use their imagination in new and exciting ways.

"This is about giving children the freedom to create their own play, The Play Pod will help transform lunchtimes – children will work together, be active, and have fun in a way that builds resilience, creativity, and teamwork." 

Clare James
Headteacher, Maylandsea Primary School

Research shows that access to open-ended play improves children’s wellbeing, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. By using recycled materials, the Play Pod also helps promote sustainability, showing children the value of re-use and environmental responsibility.

The Maylandsea Primary School Scrap Store Play Pod officially opened on Monday 29th September and is already being met with excitement and enthusiasm from pupils, parents, and staff alike.

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The children represented the school with great respect and maturity throughout the ceremony. They sang a song “We will remember them” and read the poignant poem “They Shall Grow Not Old,” offering a moving tribute to the fallen.

As part of the service, pupils also placed hand-made poppies into the ground — a beautiful and thoughtful gesture of remembrance.

Parents and staff attended in support, proud of how brilliantly the children represented the school and demonstrated the true spirit of respect and reflection.