Branfil Primary School earns Platinum OPAL award for play

This award recognises our commitment to ensuring that every child has an amazing hour of play every lunchtime.

Our vision is that ‘everyone learning together’ and the provision we provide embraces this.

Every child has an hour of play every lunchtime (Image: Jonathan Lockwood)

The children work together to explore, manage risks, negotiate, be creative and imaginative and problem solve.

Some key benefits are:

● Successfully transforming attitudes and culture across the whole school community, especially in relation to the value of play and attitudes to risk and dirt.

● Improving the access to our grounds and the quality of the play offer to children through low-cost high impact changes.

● A transformation in the equality and equity of children’s playtime experiences.

Play encourages children to work together (Image: Jonathan Lockwood)

Girls, children with additional needs, disadvantaged children and non-sporty children have consistently better, more active and enjoyable playtimes.

We believe that play is fundamental to children’s physical and mental wellbeing which is why we have been on this journey for four years.

Pupils get imaginative in play (Image: Jonathan Lockwood)

Through a clear vision, determination and dedication from all staff we have secured the highest OPAL grading and we are very proud of this achievement.

• For more information on Branfil Primary School, go to: branfil.com