Playground markings help to hit physical activity targets.
Meeting the government’s recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity for every primary school child can feel like a daunting task—especially with the increasing demands on curriculum time and limited indoor space.
But what if your playground could do some of the heavy lifting for you?
At Inspired Markings, we believe that well-designed playground markings are one of the most cost-effective, sustainable, and engaging tools schools can use to increase physical activity throughout the day—without adding pressure to teachers or timetables.
Why Physical Activity Targets Matter
According to the Department for Education’s School Sport and Activity Action Plan, every child should engage in an average of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, with 30 minutes delivered during the school day.
This isn’t just about PE lessons—it includes active breaktimes, energisers between lessons, and movement-based learning.
⚠️ The risk?
A 2023 study by Sport England’s Active Lives survey found that less than half of children meet this target, contributing to rising concerns around childhood obesity, poor concentration, and declining mental well-being.
How Playground Markings Help Schools Hit These Targets
Here’s how our playground markings can help you embed movement into every school day:
1. ✅ Daily Active Minutes—Built Into Your Environment
Unlike traditional equipment or one-off events, permanent thermoplastic markings turn your playground into a movement zone that’s always ready.
Children are naturally drawn to markings like fitness trails, circuits, and games that encourage hopping, skipping, jumping, and running—all without supervision.
“The markings have made a huge difference. Our children are so much more active at break and lunch now—it’s an easy win.”
— PE Lead, Somerset
2. 🎯 Supports Whole-School Strategies on Well-being & Behaviour
Active children aren’t just healthier—they’re better learners. Movement breaks between lessons help reset focus, regulate energy levels, and reduce classroom disruptions.
Our QuickHit stations, fitness trails, and movement games are ideal for structured active breaks, morning energisers, and intervention sessions.
3. 👩🏫 PE Lessons + Cross-Curricular Use
Our markings come with access to lesson plans, activity videos, and CPD, helping staff make the most of the space. PE leads can easily align with curriculum outcomes—while classroom teachers can use zones for cross-curricular active learning (e.g. maths trails, spelling races, etc.).
4. 🧒 Promotes Independent Play and Peer-Led Activity
With designs like Four Square, Dance Spots, and Daily Mile Tracks, pupils naturally create their own games, boosting teamwork, leadership, and inclusive participation—without needing adult input every time.
Link to Ofsted & Your Whole School Development Plan
📝 Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF) now places a stronger focus on personal development, health, and well-being.
Demonstrating how your school promotes physical activity throughout the day can support your inspection narrative.
Plus, physical activity links directly to areas like:
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Pupil mental health
- Closing the attainment gap (particularly for less active or SEND pupils)
Your playground can—and should—be part of your whole school improvement plan.
Real Impact, Real Results
Schools using our playground markings have seen:
- 📈 Up to 3x more active engagement during break times
- 💬 Reduced behaviour incidents in the playground
- 🎯 Easier delivery of active minutes without staff burnout
Ready to Turn Your Playground Into an Active Learning Zone?
Whether you’re spending Sports Premium, PTA funds, or looking for split payment options, we’ll help you make the most of your space.
✅ All our markings come with:
- Free site survey & custom design
- Access to resources, training, and activity guides
- Long-lasting, low-maintenance thermoplastic material
👉 Book a free call with one of our directors here, or get in touch to request a sample pack and brochure.
Final Thought
Playground markings aren’t just colourful shapes on tarmac.
They’re a strategic tool for improving children’s health, behaviour, and learning outcomes—helping your school meet key government activity targets without adding to your workload.
