Pupils have their say in outdoor classroom space in Carlow NS

A NEW initiative by the Department of Humanities at Southeastern Technological University, in co-operation with Tullow men’s shed, has delivered a new outdoor classroom to the pupils at Carlow National School.

The research project, which was led by SETU lecturer John Balfe with assistance from some of his students in the early childhood and education practice undergraduate programme, is called Cultivating Inclusive Playgrounds.

Supported by a €5,000 Higher Education Authority grant, the aim of the project was to create an inclusive outdoor space that made children feel welcome and safe in and that can be accessible to those who may feel excluded by traditional yard activities.

Junior and senior infants’ pupils were actively engaged in the whole process with SETU researchers through different child-friendly workshops, where they were asked a simple question: what do you want your space to look like?

The classroom/outdoor chill-out zone, which was co-built by Tullow men’s shed volunteers, includes mud kitchens, outdoor games, a rainwater harvesting apparatus and planting beds so the students can grow their own food and flowers.

“Our findings matter for education and community alike,” explains project leader John Balfe. “Children reported pride and confidence when their ideas were taken seriously. SETU students gained real-world, rights-based research experience and a practical understanding of inclusive design.

“At the same time, the study surfaced a hard truth even when projects explicitly centre the child’s voice, the education system often prioritises adult decision-making, typically under the banners of health and safety, practicality and budget.

“Genuine incorporation of children’s views is a balancing act among stakeholders,” he added.