Dear parents,

 

In conjunction with Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), we are about to launch our exciting new long term project to make our playtimes even better.   OPAL is working closely with Sport England to promote more active childhoods, which is one of the many reasons we are improving our playtime, as well as to improve opportunities for socialisation, cooperation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment for your child. 

 

We will fully launch the OPAL programme in September 2024 but as an introduction and soft start for the children, we will be making a small change to the lunchtime provision from Monday 8^th July.  This change will see mixed age play reintroduced. This means children from reception to Year 6 will be using the playground space together rather than being zoned by age. 

 

In preparation for this change, the children have been part of whole school assemblies and class circle times to discuss the risks around mixed age play.  From this, a list of expectations has been created for the children to follow – all centred around the ethos of “are we being safe enough.”   SMSA staff will be constantly moving around the playground to ensure children are making safe choices and will intervene in play when necessary.

 

As we develop OPAL further, equipment and resources will be introduced to the playground for children to utilise in their play.  To facilitate this, we hope to build a network between local business and the school to help secure items that would be used e.g. tyres, crates, barrels, guttering, pallets and more.  More information around the equipment needed will be released in due course.

 

As part of the OPAL project, we will be in regular communication with parents regarding the changes that are planned as well as inviting you into school to see the play provision in action.

 

If you have questions regarding OPAL, please speak directly to myself or a member of SLT.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Mr Matravers

OPAL Curriculum Lead of Play