A Bicester primary school is taking part in an outdoor play programme which supports schools with improving the quality of children's outdoor play.
The Glory Farm Primary School is involved with the Opal (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme, which supports schools with strategically and sustainably improving the quality of their play opportunities.
The Opal website states: "Research 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.
"We want every school to produce a plan to show how they will ensure that every child has at least one hour's outstanding outdoor play every school day."
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On June 25, pupils at the Bicester school enjoyed a range of play opportunities in the sun, giving them the chance to develop key skills as part of their play.
Headteacher Jane MacLachlan said: "In September 2023, we made the decision to better value the time that children spend in unstructured play at break and lunch time.
"Being a part of the Outdoor Play and Learning (Opal) family has ensured that these times are carefully planned for and valued by the whole school community.
"Our parent fundraising group (FRoGS) has also played a large part in raising money to support additional resources."
The Opal website also states: "Our goal is that regardless of gender, race, ability or location – every child should have access to outstanding play opportunities every school day of their lives."
Mrs MacLachlan said: "This vision meets our strong belief in recognising and valuing diversity, equity and inclusion.
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"Some of the activities we have available are: gymnastics area, large mud kitchen, scooters, trim trail, lego and duplo, dressing up for role play, a construction area where children design all sorts of wonderful creations, old car tyres, tunnels, chill spaces, creative areas, small world.
"As the headteacher, I value seeing all children engaged in a wide variety of activities and making new friends from all age groups. "
Assistant headteacher Miss Charlotte Smith said: "With unstructured time accounting for 20 per cent of a child's school day (that's 1.4 years of their primary school education), we wanted to make sure it was as engaging and enjoyable as possible for all.
"Opal enables children at Glory Farm Primary School to explore play through different play types, as well as risk assess, negotiate and engage with children of all ages.
"We have seen many other benefits from the scheme: lunchtime behaviour, well-being and afternoon classroom engagement have all improved.
"Child, teacher and parent feedback has been immensely positive.
"We are well underway on our journey to the Platinum Award and there is still much more to come."
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