Marnel Community Infant School: Encouraging Fitness with an Educational Mini Gym

From Vision to Reality in Basingstoke

The Vision

Marnel Community Infant School wanted to introduce an outdoor gym area specifically designed for Key Stage 1 (KS1) pupils, ensuring that younger children had the same opportunities for exercise as their older peers. The school aimed to promote health, well-being, and active play while providing a space where pupils could socialise and develop fundamental movement skills.

Caloo’s Educational Mini Gym was selected as it complies with EN 16630 safety standards, ensuring age-appropriate fitness opportunities for the school’s younger students.

The Solution

Caloo supplied and installed a fully equipped outdoor gym, designed to be safe, accessible, and engaging for younger children.

Key installations included:

• Cross Rider Duo – encouraging cooperative movement and balance.
• Skier – promoting lower body strength and coordination.
• Tai Chi Wheel – supporting gentle movement and upper body flexibility.
• Rider – improving cardiovascular fitness and core stability.
• Cardio Boxes – offering a fun way to improve agility and endurance.
• Body Twist – enhancing flexibility and core engagement.
• Arm Bike – developing upper body strength and endurance.
• Air Walker Duo – simulating walking or jogging to encourage movement-based play.

The Impact

The installation has been a resounding success, providing an exciting and structured way for young pupils to engage in exercise during break times and PE lessons.

• 15 user stations allow multiple children to exercise simultaneously, promoting active play and socialisation.
• The smaller-sized gym equipment makes fitness accessible and enjoyable for younger pupils.
• The outdoor gym has helped introduce discussions around health and well-being, teaching children the importance of regular physical activity from an early age.

Marnel Community Infant School’s new Educational Mini Gym is now a popular and well-used addition to the school grounds, ensuring that KS1 pupils can stay active and develop healthy habits for years to come.