A lack of facilities for socialising and playing is often the cause of boredom, leading to behaviour problems both during break-times and in lessons.
‘Place making’ is one of the best ways to promote positive behaviour and improve school grounds. It involves creating places that promote a sense of ownership, respect and responsibility – places where activity is appropriate to the location, reducing the risk of aggression, boredom, conflict and damage.
Positive behaviour is influenced by a range of interlinked design and management decisions. Each site has its own unique solutions but a common important factor is the initial involvement of students in a community safety and behaviour audit. Professionals skilled in site analysis – and working closely with young people to ensure full participation – can help to reduce costs associated with site damage by identifying and preventing potential risks.
The school grounds can have a positive influence on the behaviour of pupils on the school site with benefits in four key areas:
· reducing opportunities for conflict;
· developing environments conducive to social interaction;
· reducing damage, and opportunities for theft;
· facilitating surveillance/supervision and capable guardians.
