School playground markings are an essential part of many children’s outdoor play, offering a wide variety of benefits to young people. From promoting physical activity to stimulating learning and fostering creativity, the right playground markings can transform a dull tarmacked space into a vibrant hub of fun and excitement.

The NHS highlights the importance of children aged five to 18 getting at least 60 minutes of exercise per day – and with so many children leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles, playground markings can play an integral role in encouraging pupils to be active during their break times. Having designated zones for sports like football, basketball and tennis can help encourage pupils to engage with high-energy activities during their school breaks, while ensuring that low energy games like hopscotch are placed away from areas used for high-impact sports.

Adding Fun and Functionality: School Playground Markings

In addition to the sporting opportunities, playground markings can also provide a fantastic learning resource for both PE teachers and pupils themselves. Markings such as snakes and ladders, multiplication grids, alphabet spirals and world map can all be incorporated into classroom lessons to support learning across a number of subjects.

Thermoplastic markings are a durable and safe option for schools. However, they require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that they are in good condition. For instance, if a playground is regularly used for sports or has been affected by frequent flooding, the thermoplastic markings may not last as long. In these cases, a painted option would be more appropriate as it is easier to repair and replace.