Widcombe Infant School achieves platinum OPAL award again!

Widcombe Infant School is delighted to announce the exceptional outcome from their recent Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) assessment. They received a score of 98% at their assessment in April. This is the second time the school has been assessed at Platinum level. The report stated,

“Huge congratulations to the team at Widcombe Infant school, Bath on their second platinum OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning award. This places Widcombe Infant school as one of the very best in the country for the quality of their outdoor play at lunchtime. From the main road outside the school, passers-by might have no idea what an absolute oasis of joy, fun and freedom is tucked behind the school's fence! The school has developed a rich landscape for play, where every pupil can be themselves and go on adventures every day! Pupils move independently across the site - accessing woodland, a grassy field, sandpit, mud kitchens, tree houses, a castle, tree swings, a stage and playground equipment. They confidently and competently manipulate den building materials, balance bikes and trikes, digging tools, dressing up costumes and natural loose parts in their play. There is a real sense of community at this school, not only how the pupils play together and support each other beautifully in the playground but also demonstrated through the great teamwork from the staff, and the support from the Governors, PTA and wider school community. Congratulations to the whole school community!”

Alison Watts, Executive Headteacher, says

“Widcombe Infant School has always valued high quality play, as playtime makes up 20% of school life. Play is amazing, important, fun and good for children in so many ways.

Our school has wonderful grounds within the centre of Bath, and we are thrilled the children are able to access such a wide variety of play opportunities. We are proud that the children are able to assess their own risk, for example through tree climbing, as this is an important life skill. Creativity is an essential ingredient at Widcombe Infant School, and we are thrilled to provide this outside the school building as well as inside. We are extremely proud of the children’s play ethos which has been recognised in this assessment. We are immensely grateful for the support given to us by our parents and PTA, who have not only provided funds but also many items to enhance our play provision."

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the OPAL Play Working Group. I am excited by the amazing developments we have achieved, and I am very proud of this award.”

Ceri Morris OPAL Play Leader.