OPAL Audit

We are so thrilled to share our news about OPAL play. As many of you know, we have been working hard over a two year period to improve and develop our play provision at lunchtime and many of you have generously donated requested items that have enhanced play for the children. Last week, we were officially assessed and can now share that we are a PLATINUM OPAL school!

Here is what the assessor wrote in her report:

Congratulations to the whole St Andrew’s school community on your OPAL Platinum award! This is a significant achievement and one the school should feel very proud of. An OPAL Platinum award recognises the quality of St Andrew’s outdoor playtimes as some of the best in the country. The team has worked hard to prioritise play to the benefit of all their pupils. 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.

We are planning a family play afternoon so you can come and join the fun!