Our school recognises the value of playtime for children. We are entering the second year
of the OPAL ‘Outdoor Play and Learning’ programme where we have been looking to develop both our outdoor space and the play opportunities we offer.
What is it all about?
The pandemic particularly highlighted this area and we are keen to ensure that the children get the best experiences through quality play as possible but also ensure that it is sustainable. The focus has been to improve children’s physical and emotional health, well-being, approach to learning and enjoyment of school. Children’s health and opportunity to access time and space to initiative their own play outdoors provides significant benefits for pupils, parents, the school and the wider community. You can find out more about the project on our school website: https://www.ackworthhowardschool.co.uk/curriculum/outdoor-play-and-learning
What has happened so far?
Here is a quick recap of what has happened so far:
- A number of development meetings with our OPAL mentor and OPAL working group.
- Staff training.
- KS2 now access the back playground/field area rather than the front playground which
offered limited play opportunities.
- Play assemblies delivered to set rules and boundaries.
- Field open all year round.
- Wellie racks and storage purchased.
- New play equipment purchased.
- Development of play zones – variety of ball games, chickens, construction
area, willow tunnel, den building using natural materials and crates/tarpaulin, dressing up etc.
- Transition areas established to wipe muddy wellies!
What has been the impact?
“We love to take the chickens for a walk.” (Pupil)
“More freedom to express themselves through play” (Staff Member)
“I love that I can choose what to play with.” (Pupil)
“I like to build dens which we couldn’t do before.” (Pupil)
“It is great to see the children using their imaginations and solving problems.” (Staff)
What is coming next?
- Wellbeing Wednesday’s have just begun!
- Reading and drawing areas.
- Development of ‘loose parts’ play.
- More staff training.
How can you help us?
As we continue to work towards making our playtimes more
exciting, no matter what the weather, we would like your help…
Donations of any of the following will always be happily received:
- Crates / Wooden Pallets
- Decking Boards
- Cable Drums / Reels
- Large Cardboard Boxes
- Pans / bowls / spoons / plates (plastic or metal only)
- Dress up outfits
- Toy pushchairs etc
Please also let us know if you have links with builder’s merchants or other companies who could contribute to building a big sand pit as we feel the children would really enjoy this.
I am delighted by the mentoring the OPAL programme has provided in transforming our children’s play and outdoor experiences. It is an absolute joy to see the children being children and having the opportunity to be creative and use their imaginations. We have seen high levels of engagement and cooperation between the children as well as inspiring examples of problem solving! The whole OPAL enterprise fits entirely with our vision for this school.
A big well done and thank you to the many people involved in the project so far. This cannot happen without the commitment and hard work from everyone to make a difference to our children.