Following the leader for play

Dodgeball, basketball and skipping are just some of the activities that children at Ollerton Primary School are leading at playtime.

Twelve children, aged nine and ten, have become play leaders.

They have been taught leadership skills so they can structure and organise play activities at break and lunch times.

They have responsibility for planning activities and ensuring that health and safety requirements are met.

The children also set up equipment for play.

Mrs Diana Snowden, a teaching assistant, said: “The children really feel a sense of responsibility and they become role models to the younger children.

“It means that all of the children are entertained and they get exercise.”

The PE co-ordinator, Mrs Caroline Rafton, said that next year the current play leaders would teach the skills they had learnt to the year below so more children could lead playtimes.

Ellie Knight (10) said: “I like to play with the younger children because they are really fun.

“It is really nice to see them playing together.”

Caitlin Haywood (10) said: “My favourite thing is teaching the children what to do and then seeing their happy faces.”