Let’s Go Outdoors Hands up if you’ve ever heard someone say, “Kids these days don’t spend any time outdoors like I did when I was young”. Statistics back this up - a National Trust study in 2018 found that children spent about half as much time playing outside as their parents did at the same age. However, one Suffolk school is bucking this trend and making the most of every inch of its outdoor spaces in order to develop its pupils’ confidence, outdoors skills, mental health and resilience. Bardwell Church of England Primary School offers extensive opportunities for ‘Outdoor Play and Learning’ (OPAL) and its pupils are loving it! OPAL is an award-winning, mentor supported school improvement programme that brings about a cultural and practical transformation of the way that play is thought about, planned for, resourced and staffed. At Bardwell, the OPAL journey has led to a total reimagining of its playground, once a fairly standard tarmac and football pitch set-up. Now it's filled with Loose Parts - these are simple items, often repurposed or recycled rather than expensive specialist items - being put into use in natural play areas. These include a Tyre Tunnel, Giant Sand Pit, Mud Pit, Sunken Hideouts, plus an Orchard, Greenhouse and Garden Area. Most playtimes are characterised by exploratory, child-led play with trained adults on hand who suggest and gently guide children with games and activitieswhen needed. The Forest School includes den-building resources, a fire pit, tree climbing and a seasonal ‘pingo’ pond. All pupils at the school take part in Forest School at least once a week and the school’s free after school clubs are mostly outdoor and all activity based. Children at Bardwell wear a colourful Active Uniform - comfortable, practical clothing and footwear that means no time is wasted getting changed out of starchy school uniform!
Children from Bardwell Primary School with their ‘Active Uniform’
Rob Francksen, Executive Head, says, “Bringing OPAL to Bardwell was an easy decision to make.Everything we stand for is underpinned by supporting children’s emotional, social and physical health. It’s staggering that 20% of a child’s school day (or 1.4 years of their school attendance) is spent during playtimes. This is such an opportunity to instil a culture of play active, engaged and stimulated children have their needs met, at large. Self-directed play and simple but effective resources enable children to develop the fundamental skills of critical thinking, sharing, exploring, problem solving plus communicating and most importantly, having fun! OPAL has been the single biggest contributor to fostering excellent pupil wellbeing. Bardwell Primary School www.bardwell.org.uk
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