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Mead Vale Primary School awarded OPAL Platinum status

Playtimes at Mead Vale are extraordinary. Children really know how to play! They know how to assess and take risks, working together or alone to have the best playtimes. And this is all thanks to Outdoor Learning and Play, known as OPAL for short.  

 

On 17 October 2024, Mead Vale Primary School opened its doors to the community for the afternoon in honour of its latest achievement with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning).

 

The school have now achieved the OPAL Platinum Award status, which means playtimes are rated in the top 1% in the UK for the quality of play. In reality, this means that the children (and staff play team) have the most fun, every single school day, come rain or shine.

Helen Easton from OPAL came to present children with their award, of which they were extremely proud, and quite rightly so. The afternoon began with a whole school and community assembly led by headteacher Jo Jaloszynski, where the audience were treated to a high-energy taster of what OPAL looked like at Mead Vale. A special video featuring the school's story was shown, much to the excitement of the children, who loved watching themselves on the big screen, before Helen presented the award, flowers and two wooden walking sticks, which are known to Mead Vale as loose parts!

 

Following the celebration, a huge stay and play event took place outside for the rest of the afternoon where children’s creativity, inclusivity and confidence shone as they showed their families what life at Mead Vale is actually like.

 

A huge congratulations once again to Mead Vale. This award is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, learning and bravery from very member of staff, every pupil and the families and community that create the magic that is Mead Vale Primary School.

 

Guest of honour, Claire Sheils, Director of Children's Services North Somerset Council said:

Thank you so much for inviting to me to the fantastic school assembly and to share the celebration of the Platinum accreditation status.  It was an absolute joy and a privilege to hear from the children, the school staff and the parents and carers the difference that it has made – in terms of everyone’s wellbeing, improved attendance and improved relationships.  To hear the children talk about the difference it has made for them, to see their confidence and the level of responsibility they take for enduring that activities are ‘safe enough’ was a credit to the bravery and commitment of your leadership as headteacher and the whole school community to listening to and working with their children.  It was an absolute pleasure and the highlight of my week – your children were an absolute credit to the school.  Please do pass on my thanks on to your team for allowing me to join your celebrations.”

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