OPAL Fun and News

Welcome to our OPAL blog.

We wanted to share with you some of the fantastic things that we get up to at playtimes. Additionally, we also thought that this would be a good place to share information about events and how you can help. We are always looking for new resources and loose parts so if you can help by donating any items then we would really appreciate it.

Each week – in our Celebration Assembly – some children are chosen to receive a Play Award. This can be for many things including; positive play, imagination, creativity, helpfulness, kindness to peers or being a fantastic role model.

Reminder: Please encourage your child to have their wellies in school as this enables them to access all areas in most weathers. Wellies aren’t just needed in the rain but they are used to ensure safe exploration in the forest for example or more fun experiences in the mud kitchen. We have new carpets in school and need to look after them.

We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the OPAL Platinum Award

July 2022

We did it!! We were awarded the Platinum Award in recognition of our AMAZING playtimes. Ingrid was so impressed with what we offered as a school and the spaces we have available. We are currently the top 2% of the country with this award.

We had a special award ceremony in the hall where Ingrid explained how fabulous this award was. We even had some special visitors ; Mrs West and the governors attended alongside the dinner staff. The children had recorded a special video for the Lunchtime Staff to say a huge thank you for everything they do – without them, our journey would be harder. Each LSA was also given a special jar with messages from the children to remind them of how amazing they are.

June 2022

To add to our sports equipment, we have been able to purchase some new equipment which the children are really enjoying. The pogo sticks are a big hit and some of the children have phenomenal skills- I can’t even do 1!! There was also new skip balls, pogo balls and den building frames.

Due to all the hard work and dedication of the children and staff, Our playtimes are back to being absolutely amazing.

We also have our new school Facebook page. Check it out regularly for weekly updates and news. https://www.facebook.com/Fatfield-Academy-114047371304600

March 2022

This half term the children have worked really hard with Mrs Sinclair, Mrs Dowdle and the school council. Together, they have helped create some social spaces for the children to enjoy.

The children are enjoying mixing yards again. It is lovely to see them all together, spread out and enjoying their social spaces.

Watch out for our Bingo competition this half term. Your child will receive more information soon!

January 2022

Now that Covid restrictions have eased, we can now go back to having amazing playtimes. We are slowly putting our routines back into practice as well as updating the children in assemblies on any changes. It is lovely to see the children mixing again

This half term, new play leaders have been selected and have been working hard with Miss Grotz to continue to develop our playtimes. They have been learning how to support staff and children in the lunch hall as well as the children outside.

Playleaders inspiring the children after a training session on how to inspire play. They gathered some children and made a camp fire. Over the next few days, other children copied their task and made their own. Well done guys, great job.

September 2021

Welcome back. We hope you all had a lovely summer break.

We can’t wait to get back to having fun playtimes again when we can all mix together but unfortunately for now, we have to stay on our own yard due to COVID.

Hopefully we will have some lovely photos to share with you real soon so watch this space!

IMPORTANT- we would love to see what outdoor play and learning you have been getting up to while you are staying safe at home. We would love it if you could email any pictures that you don’t mind us sharing on this blog. This way all of your friends can see what you have been getting up to. It’s also important to stay connected at the moment and this is a nice way of doing that.

Send your pictures to fatfield.academy@inspiremultiacademytrust.co.uk and put for the attention of S Grotz.