Vital Regeneration has been running Play Space at Edward Wilson Primary School for over a year and we are delighted that this has led to the development of an invaluable partnership fostering the wellbeing of primary school children in London.  Play Space is an after-school creative programme, designed to teach children about the importance of leading healthy lifestyles exploring this theme through encouraging artistic expression and physical activities, games and dance. 

In March 2010, Elizabeth Burbridge, Assistant Head Teacher at Edward Wilson, referred one of their students to Play Space because she was considered to have poor self esteem, showed a reluctance to eat fruit and vegetables and was bringing unhealthy packed lunches to school. 
 
Ten weeks later, at the end of the Play Space project, Elizabeth spoke to this child asking her what she thought she had learnt from the course.  The Play Space pupil said, “I now know how important it is to keep fit - it makes me feel good and happy”.  She also commented on her enjoyment of the course in general and particularly noted the kindness of the tutors.
 
The young participant was able to tell Elizabeth about different food groups and why each one was important, and this in turn helped her improve in science class.  It was noted by the school’s lunch time supervisor that this child is now eating a wider range of healthy food at lunch, and has become a much more confident person.