We are delighted to be able to announce that after an 18-month intensive mentoring and development period we have been awarded the Platinum OPAL play award. This puts us in the top 2% of schools in the country.

Opal's vision is that every child in every school has an amazing playtime every day – with no exceptions.

 Our Opal mentor wrote:

"Congratulations to St Nicholas C of E primary school on your Platinum OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning award! This is an amazing achievement and one that the whole school community should feel very proud of. This award places St Nicholas's as one of the best primary school's in the country for the quality of their outdoor play. This is a school that has prioritised play, with high ambitions for every pupil in the school. They respect and value children's right to play, as described in article 31 of the UN's Convention on rights of the child. In doing this, not only have they improved the quality of their outdoor play, they have also reaped the additional benefits of increased activity levels, improved pupil behaviour and more inclusive and equitable playtimes.  The play observation during the school's final audit was nothing short of awe inspiring. Scene after scene of great play unfolded as I walked the extensive playgrounds. The pupils live their school Christian values through their play, supporting each other, being creative, showing courage, perseverance, responsibility and many moments of JOY! I observed creative cooking in the mud kitchen, go karts and scooter riding, adventurous den building with large loose parts, teamwork and castle building in the big sandpit, pupils dancing and singing, outdoor art and even ice exploration. Pupils are trusted to eat their packed lunches outside and were making the most of this opportunity and enjoying the early spring sunshine. The playground has a relaxed, happy tone, full of friendship, meaningful connections and a real sense of wellbeing. The staff and pupils are proud of their OPAL programme. Parents have supported the school's journey by providing waterproofs and wellies, donating resources for play and fundraising activity.  Congratulations to the whole school community, with special mention to the OPAL Working party - Head teacher Laura Newell, OPAL lead Anita Hartley, Play Coordinator Emma Price, Chair of Governors Chris Newitt, and to the playground team."

What are the benefits of Opal play?

• All children are able to engage in fun activities at playtime. 
• Improves Mental Health. 
• Research shows OPAL children are happier.
• Social and emotional development.
• Increased creativity, imagination and collaborative skills.
• Through the OPAL approach to play children are not only more active at playtime, but they are also having the opportunity to further develop life skills such as cooperation, team work and problem solving. They are becoming motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers and designers.

What does OPAL mean for us?

• Happier children
• Children coming into class ready to learn
• A fully inclusive playtime 
• It allows children an opportunity to be creative and make decisions
• Children develop independence and resilience skills
• Increased social skills (there is a great mix of all ages playing together) 
• …. and most importantly fun!

What Our Children Say About Playtimes

"Playtimes are really fun."

"We learn how to play at playtimes."

"The playground is really fun and we have lots of space to play."

Can you help?

We are busy collecting resources that children can use for creative play. If you have any of these please drop them into the office.