Having a Proludic Whale of a Time at the revitalised Water Adventure Park!
The newly revitalised Water Adventure Play Park in Weston-Super-Mare has been transformed into a vibrant, seaside-themed destination that celebrates the town’s coastal charm. Located just off the promenade, the site faced environmental and logistical challenges, including deteriorating timber equipment, poor drainage, and the need to work around underground flood defences.
Proludic was selected for its expertise in coastal environments and durable, innovative play solutions. Using robust materials like high-pressure laminate and structural steel - supported by lifetime guarantees - the new park was designed to endure
salty air and high footfall while offering an exciting, inclusive play experience.
The centrepiece is the impressive 10.42 metre-long J2696 Whale from Proludic’s Aquatica range. This large-scale play structure accommodates up to 70 users and includes 59 play functions such as net climbs, slides, hammocks, and swings. Nearby stands the 6.9-metre-high J47251 Lighthouse, featuring a spiral staircase, fire pole, and panoramic views.
A dedicated toddler zone features sensory-rich, developmentally supportive play with the J2646-M Odyssey, J2615 Little Boat, and inclusive J2406 WOK Spinner. A sensory pathway with seven tactile surfaces connects themed zones,
while “play on the way” elements like sound panels and balance boards engage older children.
Accessibility is central to the design. The park features wide paths, inclusive swing seats, accessible surfacing, and communication panels for nonverbal users. Strategically placed seating and shade structures allow families to relax while supervising their children.
Despite the complexity of the site, careful planning ensured a layout that is safe, inclusive, and fun. The result is a dynamic coastal play destination where families of all ages and abilities can explore, play, and truly have a whale of a time - now and for years to come.
Proludic Enquiry 31
Blakedown Landscapes completes renovation of playground
Blakedown Landscapes has completed the renovation of Petersham Gate playground in Richmond Park, working on behalf of The Royal Parks to deliver a more inclusive, accessible, and environmentally sensitive play space for visitors.
The project was designed by The Royal Parks’ landscape team. The design focuses on creating a welcoming environment for all children, including those with additional needs, while enhancing the site’s relationship with the surrounding landscape.
This is the first major upgrade to the playground in over 20 years. The scheme introduces a variety of new play features - including swings, a log tunnel, a log
scramble, standing seesaw, and water play – all constructed from natural materials that reflect the woodland character of the site.
Following a tender process using The Royal Parks’ Landscape Construction Works Framework, Blakedown was appointed to deliver the works, which also included resurfacing and widening existing paths, and constructing a new access route using a no-dig cellular confinement system to protect tree roots and promote sustainable drainage.
New timber benches and bespoke cycle stands have been installed to improve the experience for families and carers, while native planting – including hedging,
trees, shrubs, and grasses –supports local biodiversity.
Paul Richards, Park Manager of Richmond Park, The Royal Parks charity, said: “We’re delighted to open the new Petersham Playground which has been constructed to an exceptional standard by Blakedown Landscapes.
“This new facility will encourage thousands and thousands of children to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and enjoy the many benefits of play — from boosting mental and physical wellbeing, to building friendships and confidence in a safe, inspiring environment, for many years to come.”
Steve Buckingham, CEO of Blakedown Landscapes, commented: “We are proud to have delivered the renovation of Petersham Gate Playground on behalf of The Royal Parks.
“This project reflects what matters most to us: creating high-quality spaces through collaboration, care, and a shared commitment to the landscape.
“The sensitivity of the setting called for a considered approach, and we’re pleased to have delivered this project for The Royal Parks to deliver a space that will be enjoyed by families for years to come.”
Blakedown Landscapes Enquiry 32
Majority of MPs support increased and protected hours of PE
Four-fifths of MPs believe schools should provide every child with at least two hours of physical education (PE) per week, according to new research released by the Youth Sport Trust.
This overwhelming support from Parliament comes as organisations including the Youth Sport Trust are highlighting the critical role of PE in addressing the development and wellbeing crises faced by today’s generation of children.
As the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review enters its next stage[SC4] , 89% of MPs have expressed their desire for the curriculum to include protected time for PE; a recommendation included within[SC6] the Labour manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election.
The findings come at a critical time when less than half of children and young people are achieving 60 active minutes a day, as recommended by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers.
Furthermore, since London hosted the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012, 41,000 PE hours have been lost from schools nationwide (202324), reflecting a societal and systemic trend of deprioritising physical activity.
The Youth Sport Trust, alongside other organisations including those representing five of the leading sports[SC11] in England, have called for urgent action with increased access to PE and sport in schools, to ensure every child can access the benefits associated with sport and play.
In addition to the welldocumented benefits of physical activity for physical health (90%), mental wellbeing (87%) and social wellbeing (85[SC12] %), MPs also recognised the impact of sport and play on good life skills (82%), increased confidence (81%), giving a sense of belonging (69%), concentration & learning (54%) and better self-regulation/ behaviour (61%).
On Thursday 3 April, the House of Commons debated access to PE and school sport, which offered an opportunity for the Government to hear from MPs across the political spectrum why PE and school sport is so important to young people across the country. MPs involved highlighted best practice in their constituencies, the importance of physical
activity in improving wellbeing, socialising, self-esteem as well as physical health, and called for more sustainable funding for PE and school sport. The debate can be read in full here.
Commenting on the findings, Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE, said: “It is incredibly positive to see support for PE and sport in schools is so strong in Parliament.
“Giving every child the opportunity to be active in childhood is crucial for their health and wellbeing, development and socialisation. There is also significant evidence to show increased physical activity impacts positively on student engagement in learning, academic progress and attainment. However, the reality is at present too many children are missing out.
“With the Curriculum and Assessment Review and Spending Review currently in progress, we have a unique opportunity to build on this cross-party consensus and create meaningful change. We need to put physical activity at the heart of every school day and lift the value of PE and sport in the curriculum helping children to lead healthier, happier, and more successful lives.”
Youth Sport Trust Enquiry
Improved PE and sport for more than 240,000 pupils with SEND
Hundreds of thousands of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to improve access to PE and school sports.
Backed by an initial £300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead schools to provide expert training to teachers to help them create and deliver lessons that meet the diverse needs of all pupils - including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication or social and emotional needs.
In doing this, the programme encourages more varied and creative teaching methods that engage all learners – in turn, improving attendance and creating a school environment where all children can achieve and thrive.
It will also provide leadership opportunities for 1,500 pupils who will develop activities for their peers as part of the programme, with schools across the country set to host events inspired by the Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games.
Alongside this, it will see 600 new extra-curricular clubs established offering pupils, including those with diverse needs, the opportunity to take part in a range of sports such as tennis, boccia and archery after the school day.
Taking part in physical exercise can support muscle and motor skills, as well as a sense of achievement, confidence, social connection and better mental health.
The programme supports the government’s Plan for Change in breaking down barriers to
opportunity and ensuring every child and young person can achieve and thrive. It expects to work with over 8,000 schools supporting more than 240,000 pupils and 10,000 teachers and practitioners in England across the three years.
School Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell said: “Sport has the unique power to break down barriers, build confidence and foster a sense of belonging.
“Inclusion 2028 will ensure young people experience the benefits of sport and physical activity, from improved mental wellbeing and teamwork skills to greater resilience.
“By building a generation of teachers with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality PE and school sport for all pupils, we can ensure that every child gets their chance to shine.”
CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, Ali Oliver MBE said: “We are pleased the Department for Education is continuing to support the transformation of PE and school sport, and access to daily physical activity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
“The Youth Sport Trust believes these opportunities play a fundamental role in the education and enrichment provided by schools, and the experience offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to express themselves, enjoy movement, and develop essential life skills.
“Too many children, particularly those with additional needs, are either missing out or still face barriers to inclusion and there is so much more to do to create the capacity capability and opportunity in the system for every child.
“We feel incredibly proud to continue leading the delivery of this important programme working alongside a distinguished collaboration of partners all of which are equally committed to this mission. Together through our work with schools, teachers and young people we know inclusive practice can give every child equal access, increase participation, and as a result enjoy the life-changing benefits of play and sport.”
Inclusion 2028 is delivered by a consortium of the Youth Sport Trust, ParalympicsGB, Swim England, Activity Alliance and nasen and supported by the Association for PE and Sport for Confidence.
DCMS Enquiry 34
Taraflex triumph for Gerflor at Langley School
Langley School is a secondary school with academy status situated in the Borough of Solihull, West Midlands.
With a requirement to obtain the best sports floor on the market Langley School turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply over 680m 2 of their world-class Olympic pedigree Taraflex vinyl sports flooring.
As the main hall would also have to facilitate other nonsports activities including exams the school also opted for Tara fl ex ® Bateco, which is a moveable solution for protecting multi-sports floors falling on non-sporting activities.
Outlining their decision to specify Gerflor sports products
Mark Brown, Facilities Manager at Langley School said, “We decided to upgrade our sports flooring surface to Taraflex for the duty of care and protection qualities the product delivers, which is safer and more comfortable for our students. The durability of the Taraflex from
Gerflor is absolutely first class and truly fit for purpose for many years to come.”
Commenting on the project Wayne Andrews, Gerflor Key Account Sports and Education Manager North said, “Mark Brown was extremely pleased with the initial consultation and the free site survey and follow up. Mark is incredibly delighted with the end result and service Gerflor offered along with FLR Group’s excellent installation.”
The installation of the new Tara fl ex Evolution sports floor at Langley School would be undertaken by the Solihullbased FLR Group. Adam Kaid, Contracts Manager, FLR Group said, “We know that the Gerflor Taraflex sports flooring is meeting and surpassing expectations.
“We are really delighted with the end result and would definitely install and if given the opportunity specify Gerflor again.”
Gerflor Enquiry 35
Record numbers taking part in physical activity
The number of people playing sport and taking part in physical activity in England is at the highest level on record, according to the latest Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey Report.
The new figures show that, between November 2023 and November 2024, 63.7% of the adult population met the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of doing 150 minutes, or more, of moderate intensity physical activity a week.
That’s equivalent to 30 million adults in England playing sport or taking part in physical activity every week – up more than 2.4m from when we first published the survey results in 2016.
The number of inactive adults, those doing less than 30 minutes of activity a week, is down, with this number falling by 121,000 in the last 12 months.
This reflects significant progress, especially considering the huge disruption caused by the Covid19 pandemic, and is testament to the hard work of many organisations across the sport and physical activity sector.
The Active Lives Adult Survey Report also gives us a detailed understanding of the factors that influence how likely a person is to be active.
A person’s age, sex, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic group, whether they have a disability or long-term health condition, and the place they live in are all significant factors impacting our relationship with sport and physical activity.
The report shows some positive changes – since the survey began, the number of older adults (aged 55+) who are meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines
has increased from 51% to 58% (2.5m people), while the number of people who are disabled or living with a long-term health condition has increased from 44% to 48% (470,000 people).
However, it also underlines that many longstanding inequalities remain, with women, those from lower socio-economic groups and Black and Asian people still less likely to be active than others.
When a person has two or more of these characteristics, such as a black disabled person or an Asian man from a lower socioeconomic group, the results are compounded.
Sport England’s long-term strategy, Uniting the Movement, prioritises tackling these longstanding inequalities.
Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner
and Sport England Chair, said: “I’m delighted to see record numbers of people taking part in sport and physical activity.
“Sport England is determined that everyone in England, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, is
able to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
“We also know that an active population is vital for the country as a whole, as this relieves pressure on our NHS and also helps to drive economic growth.
“However, we know the job is not done yet and there is plenty more to do. That’s why we’ll continue focussing our efforts and resources on the communities that need it most.”
