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Children can be overwhelmed when subjected to situations which they can find difficult to handle. When the playground, for whatever reason holds little appeal, there’s now somewhere else to go...
An unhappy playground exchange or experience can prove highly disruptive in the classroom where focus and concentration are required...
Oasis
at School is a concept providing constructive play for children who would
prefer not to use the school playground at lunchtime play. It has been
running as a voluntary service in Copp C of E School since 2004. The development
of Oasis has been organic, responding to children's needs, which are now
definable, and the package of Oasis is now available.
It has been credited in the 2007 Blackburn Diocesan School Report. The school also underwent Ofsted Inspection during the same period, and they were credited with exemplary standards of behaviour.
The school's Head Teacher, Mrs. C. Parsons, has volunteered the following testimonial : This is an excellent facility offering a safe haven which is used by many children during a time of social "need". "
The Concept
Janet Cross has developed the Oasis concept. She has 5 years' experience working with children, primarily of ages 7-11 years old. It is made available to children in Years 3 and over.
Oasis is proposed as a lunchtime alternative for pupils, available 2-3 times per week. Initial popularity often necessitates the programme to be phased in, using managed availability i.e. by year group may require daily access in the first month.
It is in this setting that Janet has developed the unique Oasis concept which nurtures interpersonal skills, improves behaviour and self-esteem while harmonising ethnic, racial, age and ability divides through inclusive play.
These benefits are accessed through mentored play, with a carefully selected variety of simple, stimulating games which challenge the children intellectually and develop them emotionally.