Over the past 2.5 years we have been working with a company called Outdoor Play and Learning, also known as OPAL.

OPAL mentors have been working closely with our staff to develop our play curriculum, ensuring that all playtimes are positive, enjoyable and rewarding for the children. OPAL’s vision is that every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions! The children have played an integral part to the OPAL development and have embraced the change in playtimes.

Mr Copley and Mrs Mountain have driven this project forward within school and our final assessment was last week.

We are pleased to announce the following:

Keyingham Primary has just achieved GOLD Award status from OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning). This means that they are in the top 4% of UK schools for the quality of play they provide for all their children. The school has demonstrated that it takes the UNCRC Article 31, on the child's right to play, seriously and is implementing all stages of school improvement in relation to play, including policy, planning, resourcing, staffing and evaluation." 

Michael Follett BA Hons Ed, PGCE OPAL Founder and Director

This is a huge achievement for Keyingham Primary School, and we are proud of our GOLD award!! In the coming weeks we will have a presentation assembly, ran by our OPAL mentor, where we will be officially presented with the Gold Quality mark.

This is still a working project at Keyingham Primary School, there is always more to improve on and enhance our playtimes further. We ask that if you have any donations, to hand them in at Reception. Mrs Mountain is also keen to do set monthly donations, ie, small world animals one month and dolls the next. More information to follow on this idea.

After half term we will still be using the field at the back of the school for all the amazing play, however, it is known that it can get quite wet and boggy on there. Please remember to send your child in with some wellies so they can continue accessing all areas of the school grounds.

I am sure you will join us in celebrating our GOLD achievement with us!