Minerva School, which supports students with a range of needs including Autism, Intellectual Disability and ADHD, faced significant challenges with conflict management in the playground. Students frequently experienced volatile reactions when games did not go as planned and struggled to play cooperatively without direct, constant staff supervision. The school sought a structured, sport-based intervention to help students regulate their emotions and transition leadership skills into unstructured settings like break time.
Creating Chances delivered an 8-session adapted Springboard program during Term 1, 2026. The program was co-designed with school staff to include:
- One-to-One Support: Scaffolding activities to meet the specific needs of students with sensory and regulation challenges.
- The CHANGE IT Methodology: Modifying game rules (e.g., resistance band obstacle courses) to prioritise teamwork and social skills over physical skill.
- The Fair Play Pledge: Introducing a visual values system, including kindness, resilience, and determination, to guide student behavior.
1. From Conflict to Cooperation
At the start of the program, many students required adult mediation for every game. By the final sessions, facilitators observed a major shift in how students approached play. Students began playing free-form games without needing a definitive winner or loser, a significant milestone for those with typically black-and-white thinking styles.
2. Empowering Lunchtime Leaders
A standout outcome was the emergence of “Lunchtime Leaders”. One Year 6 student, who previously struggled with turn-taking and leadership, became a constructive organiser at break time. He now independently runs handball games, using Creating Chances values to include new students and keep peers accountable through encouragement rather than conflict.
3. Real-World Value Application
During a student interview, a participant reflected on the “Big R” (Resilience), explaining how he now uses it to help others try again if they make a mistake. This shift from “arguments” to “showing kindness” has been noted by both Creating Chances staff and school leadership.
Results and Successes
- Improved Behaviour: A marked increase in physical activity levels and students ability to self-regulate when playing with their peers independently or with CC staff.
- Student-Led Initiatives: The creation of student-led playground displays and the use of “Fair Play Pledge” resources to manage games.
- Sustainable Integration: Students are now co-constructing their own recognition systems to celebrate fair play with playground hats that will also keep them sun safe.
To learn more about our adaptable Springboard programs contact us.
