More schools across the North East receive their OPAL awards

OPAL continues to grow in the North East as more schools in the region achieve their awards. The schools — from Blackford CE Primary School in Carlisle to Applegarth Primary School in Northallerton — are now members of an elite group that offer some of the best playtimes in the UK.

The schools have all completed the OPAL Primary Programme – an award-winning 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 is the only programme of its kind that has been independently proven to sustainably improve the quality of play in British primary schools.

OPAL playtimes are like nothing you have seen before. Instead of groups huddled together in corners, or spaces dominated by football, an OPAL playtime has something for everyone. From giant sandpits and rope swings, to dressing up and small world play, playgrounds are a hive of joyful activity. 

There are clearly lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but the good news is that there are many benefits for schools too. 

OPAL schools report whole-school transformation. They see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. Children return to the classroom ready to learn, meaning teachers regain teaching time. OPAL playtimes have even been cited in Ofsted reports, as OPAL schools can easily provide evidence on their approach to wellbeing and inclusion.

Congratulations to all the recently awarded schools for their commitment to improving children’s lives through the power of play. 

If you are ready to start the OPAL Primary Programme in your school, you can get started via the OPAL website.