More North East and Cumbria schools crowned playtime champions

Nineteen schools across the North East and Cumbria received OPAL awards in May and June! These schools are providing some of the best playtimes in the UK and are reaping the benefits that investing in play has for children, staff and the whole school community.

The new and reaccredited OPAL schools are:

• Beaconside Primary School, Penrith
• Broadway Junior School, Sunderland
• Cambrai Primary, Catterick, North Yorkshire
• Dame Allans, Newcastle
• Diamond Hall Infants Academy, Sunderland
• Edmondsley Primary Academy, Edmondsley, Durham
• Fatfield Academy, Washington
• Grange First School, Newcastle
• Harton Primary School, South Shields
• Hill View Junior Academy, Sunderland
• Hill View Infant Academy, Sunderland
• Hipswell C of E Primary, Catterick Garrison
• Maryport Church of England Primary School, Maryport
• Polam Hall School, Darlington 
• Sherburn Primary, County Durham
• Shotley Bridge Junior Primary School, Consett
• Thornton Watlass Church of England Primary School, Ripon
• Westgarth Primary School, Marske-by-the Sea, Redcar
• West View Primary School, Hartlepool

Ingrid Wilkinson, Director of OPAL North East, said:

“I am delighted to welcome all the newly awarded schools into the OPAL family, and I’m thrilled that a number of current schools have been reaccredited. By investing in playtimes, these schools are improving outcomes across the board and giving children a happier, more joyful childhood.”

Why are schools investing in playtimes?

OPAL schools see a wide-range of benefits, including:

• Children that can manage risk: OPAL schools report significant improvements in children’s ability to identify and manage risk.
• Increased attendance: Children can’t wait to come to OPAL schools because they have so much fun.
• Increased physical activity: All children, including girls, SEN and non-sporty children are significantly more active.
• More teaching time: Teachers report more teaching time in afternoon lessons.
• Happy parents: Well-informed parents at OPAL schools love it that their children are happier.

Find out more about the benefits of investing in playtimes.

What is the OPAL Primary Programme?

The OPAL Primary Programme is an award-winning mentor supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

OPAL playtimes are a sight to behold. Where many schools that don’t have a plan for play find playtimes a struggle, staff and children in OPAL schools can’t wait to get out to play. Where groups of (typically) boys playing football might dominate the playground in other schools, OPAL playtimes have something for everyone. 

Is your school ready to prioritise playtime?

If you would like to see OPAL in action, the North East team coordinates open days in OPAL schools across the region. You can find all our upcoming events on our Eventbrite page. If you are ready to get going with OPAL in your school, you can get started on the OPAL website.