Outdoor Play and Learning

We are taking part in an exciting long term project to make our play times even better, in conjunction with OPAL. (http://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/). OPAL has won the best active schools’ programme in Europe award and been cited in two Parliamentary Reports as outstanding practice, they also work closely with Sport England to promote more active childhoods.

This link shows an example of an outstanding OPAL school playtime and what we are aiming for - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm7IfAEsjqI&t=2s&ab_channel=MichaelFollett

Our hopes are that this project will change the way we think and how we play together. To facilitate this project, we will need to buy some new resources, move some things around on the playgrounds and grass and we will also require some loose parts. Loose parts are any materials that can be easily moved, combined, and incorporated into children's free play.

The items we are looking for will enable us to enjoy a wider range of play experiences during playtime.

We will be holding regular collections for specified items, the dates for which will be communicated via the Bulletin. The sooner we do this, the sooner the children will be able to play with the items! Please do not bring your donations in before the dates stated, as we will have nowhere to store them.

 If objects are really large, such as wooden pallets, we will ensure that there is someone available to help you carry them into school. If you can help us with any of the larger items, please email me at FConway@blofield.norfolk.sch.uk.

There will be more information to follow at a parent’s session later in the year, plus opportunities where you will be invited to come and play with your children.

We are really excited about this project and hope that you will support us in our efforts to improve playtime for all our children.  

Autumn 1

Thank you to all who came to the OPAL parents' meeting on Thursday 6th October to meet our OPAL mentor, Becky Willans.

The link to the OPAL platinum school is in the introductory letter above and here - 

https://youtu.be/cm7IfAEsjqI

We are currently collecting for the quiet book/arts/crafts area and need -

• beanbags
• floor cushions
• small rugs
• carpet offcuts

If you can help out with any of the above, please email me - fconway@blofield.norfolk.sch.uk.

We are also asking children to make sure they have a clearly named waterproof coat at school every day, and they can also start to bring in a pair of named wellies. These can either be left at school on the wellie racks, or be taken to and from school in a plastic bag.

Many thanks!

Spring 1

Our mud kitchen is now open!

During half term we were lucky enough to have some willing helpers, including our site manager, to build us a mud kitchen from kindly donated pallets and using donated kitchen sinks. All the kitchen ware that has been donated is now being used by the children in their imaginary play - thank you!

We still need digging equipment for the digging area, so if you can spare any old trowels, spoons or small garden forks, they would be greatly appreciated.