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What's the issue with the playground?

9 replies

Playgroundh · 08/09/2023 19:01

Does anyone have any suggestions why my child hates the school playground?
4 year old, had this issue all through nursery and now in his first week of reception.

He's got some medical issues but is coping well with big school in general aside from the fact he hates the playground. At nursery he had the same issue except there were more adults available to hold his hand and give him lots of hugs though it. He's had his first week in reception and has been screaming and crying that he wants me to come get him as soon as they let them out after lunch. The school has coped by asking a year six child to entertain him in the classroom (a teacher is also present) but I get the impression this isn't sustainable (and can totally see why). I have absolutely no idea what to try or suggest.

He's made friends, the children run up and hug him every morning, I don't think he's being bullied. If I try to ask him he just says "I need to go inside." I don't think it's the heat or the new school environment because like I say he was this way all through nursery.

Oh and he also plays outside at home fine, with and without friends, and likes the playgrounds around town.

Can anyone help? Thank you.

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Jellycats4life · 08/09/2023 19:03

My autistic kids hate the playground. It’s busy, loud, unpredictable and very socially demanding.

Playgroundh · 08/09/2023 19:17

@Jellycats4life have you found anything that helps them cope? Or an alternative? Thank you

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Newuser75 · 08/09/2023 20:19

My eldest was like this. Does he have any sensory issues? Has the teacher suggested anything? Could they maybe give him a little job or something to do instead of him being there? Ear defenders? Can he sit and read in a quiet corner of it?

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BlueBlubbaWhale · 08/09/2023 20:22

Jellycats4life · 08/09/2023 19:03

My autistic kids hate the playground. It’s busy, loud, unpredictable and very socially demanding.

This

stealthninjamum · 08/09/2023 20:22

My autistic dd used to be allowed to sit in a staffed room with a friend to draw. School should make reasonable accommodations if a child is suffering from something like anxiety.

blendedfamly · 08/09/2023 20:39

The playground is awful, noisy chaotic a sensory overload nightmare. A member of staff could take him out for short spaces of time during break to see if he adjusts, encourage some play. Try to figure out what would work for him.

letmesailletmesail · 08/09/2023 20:44

Do they not have a quiet zone in the playground which is set up for children to colour, play with toys or read?

Amethystanddiamonds · 08/09/2023 20:45

Can you get him to draw how he feels in the playground or act out what is wrong with toyd if he can't verbalise it. My DD copes outside in the playground but needs ear defenders for wet break as it's too loud and chaotic in the hall for her.

Playgroundh · 08/09/2023 20:50

Some good suggestions thank you. I'll ask his teacher if they have a quieter area to direct him too and see if that helps.
He has ear defenders from when I took him on a noisy holiday -kids disco, haven shows type thing, but after the first day decided he didn't want them, still that could be an angle to explore.

I'll try the drawing idea too.

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