Outdoor Play and Learning
We are working with OPAL to develop our play to its highest standard. The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme is the result of over 20 years of testing and development in over 800 schools around the world. Ways you can help are detailed below.
OPAL is based on the idea that, as well as learning through good teaching, children also learn when they play. As 20% of their time in school is playtime, we want to make sure that this amount of time (equivalent to 1.4 years of primary school) is as good as possible.
Play enables children to learn all of the things that cannot be taught, while also having so much fun. There are certain things children must have in order to be able to play. These include:
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Having clothes that they can play in - Wellington boots will be a key item for Steeple Morden Primary School.
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Having things to play with.
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Having a certain amount of freedom.
If you would like to learn more about the OPAL Primary Programme, please have a look at the OPAL website (www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk), where you will find lots of useful information and several videos about the programme.
We are really excited about this project and hope that you will support us in our efforts to improve playtime for all children.
Here is a video that shows an example of the opportunities we would like to provide.
We need your help...
We are currently working on populating our 'small world' area. We are currently looking for donations of the following items on the bingo cards and some larger items in the text below the cards. Do you know anyone who would be happy to help? We will cross the items off when we have enough.
If you wish to contact us about anything to do with helping us improve our playtimes please contact Mrs Holley, our Play Coordinator, via the office office@steeplemorden.cambs.sch.uk and include OPAL in the subject of your email.
Thank you for your support!
Play Team
We have recently introduced music to the playground and would love to develop this through use of a robust, portable, battery operated blue tooth music player, along the lines of these builder's radios.
We are also looking for something to store the cardboard children play with, it needs to be about the size of a wheelie bin and have a lid.
Are you free for a couple of hours on Saturday 15th November?
There are a number of jobs that need doing...
...such as helping build a mud kitchen, clearing areas and moving tyre bundles.
We’re planning to meet on the playground on Saturday 15th November, between 10 and 12 - if you think you would be able to help, please email the office and we will get back to you.
Thank you so much for the items you have donated for the playground - it’s making a real difference to playtimes.
