Small rural primary school celebrates OPAL award

The Federation of Snape & Thornton Watlass has achieved the OPAL Gold Award! The award recognises the school’s commitment to improving playtimes, and makes them one of the top schools in the country for providing amazing play opportunities for their children. 

Mrs Davies and Mrs Beswick, OPAL leaders at the Federation, said:

“Play makes up 20 per cent of a child’s school day, which overall results in over a whole year’s worth of their time in school.

“This is something that should be fun, imaginative, beneficial and accessible for all. OPAL has allowed all children within our school to access playtime freely.”

“Although the school has a fantastic outdoor space, children didn’t know how to play creatively. Over the course of developing OPAL, the transformation in how the children play, manage their own risks and express themselves freely is an absolute joy to watch.”

Read the full article in the Darlington and Stockton Times. 

About 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.

Find out more about OPAL and book an introductory meeting.