Children returning to St Saviour’s Schools in Larkhall, Bath after lockdown have been benefitting from the school’s role as an award-winning ‘Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)’ schools, alongside huge investments in a new adventure park.
This award means that the school values are embedded in a rounded education and quality play opportunities for all the children, from the two year olds in the Nursery to the 11 year olds in Year 6. During lockdown, the schools have been carefully planning the return of the children and reflecting on how important friendships, interactions and play will be for them after lockdown.
Supported by PTA fundraising and careful planning, St Saviour’s has invested almost £20,000 in a new adventure park for the Infant School, new fixed and moveable play equipment for the Reception classes, a new partnership with the Children’s Scrapstore and continued investment in Forest Schools in the onsite forest school areas. The school has also budgeted a further £10,000 to be spent by the end of the year.
Mr Beament, Executive Headteacher, is a huge advocate for the power of quality play. “We have been pleased with our remote offering for our children during lockdown but one aspect of school life that has been particularly hard to replicate is the play times and outside education. These are essential to the development of all our children. Through play the children problem solve, are creative, build friendships, learn and just have loads of fun.
“We have always invested money and time in making our schools full of happy playing children. With the disruption this year and the children spending so much time indoors, it was important to inject time and money into making our play experience even better. Watching the children laughing, playing, getting muddy and having fun has been worth every single penny and minute spent!”