OPAL

For the second time, we have been awarded the OPAL platinum award. The highest standard from OPAL, placing us in the top 1% of schools nationally for the high quality of our play provision.

At Sussex Road, every moment of the school day is valued, and we are dedicated to providing high‑quality play opportunities for all children. We recognise play as a vital part of each child’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual growth. In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 31, we champion every child’s right to play.

Through our OPAL approach, we create a highly inclusive, welcoming play environment where every child feels confident to explore, express themselves and thrive.

Extract from our mentor on our recent reaccreditation - 

"This award recognises that high-quality play is fully embedded in the life of the school. OPAL at Sussex Road is not a project or initiative, but part of the school’s everyday culture, values and practice. Strong leadership, a committed play team, and active support from governors and parents have created an environment where children are confident, engaged and deeply absorbed in their play.

The impact is visible in calm, purposeful lunchtimes, rich and varied play opportunities, and the way children move freely, imaginatively and safely across the site. Inclusive mixed-age play, thoughtful risk-benefit practice and skilled supervision are clearly understood and consistently applied.

Sustaining Platinum over time requires reflection, care and adaptability, all of which Sussex Road demonstrates in abundance. This second Platinum award is thoroughly deserved and provides a strong foundation for continued growth and leadership within the OPAL community."

"OPAL is an award-winning, mentor supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities. OPAL is the only programme of its kind that has been independently proven to sustainably improve the quality of play in British primary schools."

OPAL website, 2022

The OPAL approach aligns perfectly with our ethos at Sussex Road Primary School.  Play is imperative in children's development; we would argue it's important for adults too.  Our aim is to provide a lunchtime provision that mirrors the ethos within our Early Years environment; one that allows all children to immerse themselves in a variety of deep play-types with very high levels of wellbeing.

We provide children with a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where they can engage in self-directed and cooperative play. This time encourages social interaction, creativity, physical development, and emotional well-being. Through play, children develop critical life skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and resilience, supporting their overall growth and fostering a love for learning beyond the classroom.

 

---

As a platinum OPAL school, we welcome other professionals in for our OPAL Open Days that run throughout the year. We love to showcase the play that takes place on our playground! If you are interested in attending our next event, please email the School Office or find us on the OPAL events website.