St Andrew’s Church School in Bath has been awarded the OPAL Platinum Award in recognition of the quality of its outdoor playtimes.
The OPAL – Outdoor Play And Learning – award recognises the school’s outdoor play provision as some of the best in the country, with the school prioritising play to the benefit of all pupils.
The OPAL assessors’ report stated, ‘Staff and Governors are ambassadors for children’s right to play as outlined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child. By doing this, not only have they supported every pupil’s right to play, but have happier, more active children, and also benefitted from improved behaviour.
‘Parents support the initiative by providing waterproof coats and wellies, and offering donations of recycled household materials for play. The playground now features sandpits, gravel digging area, mud kitchen, loose parts storage, craft activities, sporty play, music and more!
‘Infant and Junior pupils play together and support each other. There is a wonderfully relaxed and happy party atmosphere during lunchtime, with pupils dancing, building, chatting, shooting hoops, crafting their own toys, cooking rainbow-pancakes, making sandcastles and even a planking competition!
‘WELL DONE to the whole school on the successful transformation of your playground, and good luck for your exciting future plans.’
Deputy Headteacher, Tamsin Stephen, commented, “We are so thrilled to have been presented with this top award for play. The whole community has worked hard for two years to improve the quality of our play provision and it is wonderful to have this recognised. Play is so important and, when the children heard the news, the loudest cheer went up!”