We are proud to be PLATINUM!
We are delighted to announce that our school was awarded PLATINUM status. This means that we in the top 2% of schools across the country to hold such an incredible award. The way in which ‘play’ has been developed throughout the school has been recognised and staff intend to build on this success. The award shows that our pupils, parents and staff value ‘play’ and the benefits that taking ‘safe risks’ has on self esteem and brain development. Please click on the link below to read the accreditation letter from Rachel Murray our OPAL mentor since 2023.
Research from the Education Endowment Fund, shows that children’s mental and physical health is getting worse and that great play can make it better. During seven years at primary school, children spend 1.4 years at play.
At Moreton Morrell Primary School we have a plan to show to ensure that every child has at least one hour’s outstanding outdoor play every school day– with no exceptions. At Moreton Morrell School we believe that play teaches children all of the things that need to be learnt but cannot always be taught in the classroom. There are many benefits to children from having lots of rewarding and stimulating play, we firmly believe that EVERY CHILD has the right to play.
As part of our School Improvement plan we have invested in the OPAL programme. OPAL stands for Outside Play And Learning. The progamme is intended to bring about a transformative cultural change and so will not be completed overnight. Instead, it will be sustained over a two year period, as we want to get it right. It matters! This is why OPAL is on our School Improvement Plan, which is why we have nominated OPAL governors, nominated OPAL staff, nominated OPAL parents and why ALL staff have been trained. Please click on the link below to access our Play Policy. This will explain the value that our school places on play and the benefits that can be developed through planned opportunities for quality play provision.
Spirituality through OPAL
At Moreton Morrell C of E Primary School, we use OPAL to nurture spirituality. Outside Play And Learning can foster spirituality in children by offering opportunities for nature appreciation, mindfulness, and reflection on their place in the world. Engaging with the natural environment can cultivate a sense of wonder, awe, and interconnectedness, which can be a foundation for spiritual development. Below are some of the opportunities that are available to the children through the OPAL programme.
- Nature and Mindfulness:
Spending time in nature, helps children appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Activities like mindfulness practice, such as focusing on sounds or observing nature, can promote a sense of presence and inner calm.
- Connection with Nature:
Children can develop a deeper understanding of their relationship with nature and their place within it. This can lead to a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility towards the environment.
- Play and Imagination:
Outdoor play allows children to engage in imaginative play, which can foster their creativity and spiritual exploration.
- Social and Moral Development:
Outside play can provide opportunities for children to interact with others, learn about different cultures, and develop their social and moral skills, which are important aspects of spiritual development.
- Reflection and Questioning:
Outdoor learning can create space for children to reflect on their experiences, ponder big questions about life, and consider their own beliefs and values.
- Experiential Learning:
Learning through direct experiences in nature can be more meaningful and engaging than simply learning from textbooks.
- Active Participation:
Involving children in activities like nature walks, gardening, or observing wildlife can encourage their active participation in the natural world.
To find out more click the link to read about OPAL on the official website. We think it will give you a flavour of our vision for pupils at Moreton Morrell C of E Primary School. https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/
