360 Play in the School Community
Did you know that what your kids do after school can affect what they do at school? Research shows that regular physical activity contributes to better academic results, improves concentration , helps development and helps to protect against negative behaviours such as bullying.
At 360 Play we are passionate about giving children and their families the chance to enjoy active, creative and engaging play. 10 years ago when everyone was embracing screens and phones and gaming, we decided to go back to basics and that’s how 360 Play Milton Keynes started the play revolution – no screens, no electronics, just play. Our modern lives means that children don’t get the chance to play out as we did and the after school period is often a sedentary time for them as their parents may tend to keep them indoors in a safe place instead of running around outside when they really need the chance to unwind after concentrating in the classroom all day. Our centre provides a safe and secure environment where they can do just that – whatever the weather.
360 Play isn’t all about soft play, it’s a family entertainment centre with something for everyone. We realise that even children in the same family are very different so we have designed a wide variety of activities to suit all and as its one entry price for everything, children can choose what they want to do in a safe environment and then change their mind and try something different.
We now have seven centres ranging from 12 000 sq ft to 28 000 sq ft housing 360 Street, dodgems, a musical carousel, soft play frames, sports arenas, table tennis and table football. 360 also hosts classes and has an in-house messy play area with a schedule of activities linking to the Early Years Foundation Stage of learning. Some of our centres have harnessed climbing attractions and some have outside areas containing climbing, paddle boats, role play houses and a big favourite, a giant sandpit.
360 Street role play is a massive part of our back to basics philosophy. Role play is so key to a child’s development – they watch, they copy, they learn. We provide the safe environment to explore, to learn risk without risk. Luigi’s Pizza parlour, Vets ‘n’ pets, Twirl’s boutique and Twizzle’s Garage are just a few of the street brands now familiar to customers at 360 Play.
As a local business we are proud to support our community and so we decided to give local schools the chance to visit us for a play session after school free of charge. This is a great opportunity for children to rediscover the centre and enjoy spending time with their friends and for some to experience what we have to offer for the first time. We are thrilled to be welcoming them along for our 360 Play in the Community School Days.
This week we have been welcoming children to our centre in Milton Keynes and we have been delighted to speak with parents who understand and share our ethos and enthusiasm for active play.
‘This has provided me an opportunity to bring my child here where I wouldn’t have been able to afford to do so before. Thank you’ Kylie Bates – Rickley Park School
‘Good idea for the kids to spend time with friends they don’t usually see out of school.’ Ceri Tyers – Rickley Park School
‘Really good idea, kids have had so much fun! Great idea for SATS week too. Thank you’ – Parent from Chestnuts school
