Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of the second full week back at Greasley Beauvale and Nursery School, I wanted to take a moment to share with you how proud we are of all that our children, staff, and whole community have achieved so far — especially in embedding our new OPAL play approach, living the school rule of Kindness, and bringing to life our Rainbow Values.
For those who may be newer to OPAL: it stands for “Outdoor Play and Learning”. It’s about making playtimes richer, more engaging, and giving children more freedom, variety and challenge in their play. The aim is that children gain confidence, social skills, resilience, and joy from their play — and that school is a place they feel excited to come to every day.
Already, in these two weeks:
There’s been a real buzz in the playground — children exploring new kinds of play, being inventive with what’s available, and working together more.
Staff are reporting more natural leadership among children, better turn-taking and sharing, and fewer arguments — often because children are choosing how to play and negotiating together.
We’re also seeing great improvements in behaviour immediately after play — calmer transitions, happier faces, and more focus in lessons.
Every school year we try to focus on what really brings out the best in everyone. This year, our rule of Kindness is central. We believe kindness underpins everything — how we speak to each other, how we treat our environment, how we support one another.
Over the past fortnight:
Children have been especially thoughtful in welcoming those less confident at play, including new pupils and those still finding their place post-summer.
Acts of kindness, big and small, are being noticed by staff — children helping clean up, sharing resources, encouraging others, offering apologies and understanding.
In class, “kindness” has become something we talk about: “What does kindness look like?” “How did someone show kindness today?” This helps it move from being a rule to being part of our culture.
As you know, our Rainbow Values are the backbone of our ethos here at Greasley Beauvale. They are:
Respect and Acceptance – “Being ready, respectful and safe in everything we do”
Active Body and Active Mind – “Take ownership over your physical and mental wellbeing”
Inclusive yet Individual – “Embrace diversity and be proud of who you are”
Nurture, Develop and Grow – “Persevere and take risks with your talents and potential”
Believe in Yourself – “Be confident in your choices”
Overcome Your Obstacles – “Be brave, show resilience and challenge yourself”
Wonder and Curiosity – “Ask questions and seek answers”
Here are some ways these values are coming alive already:
Respect & Acceptance: Children are following routines with more care—listening to each other, being safe in spaces like corridors and playgrounds.
Active Body & Active Mind: Our OPAL play has contributed hugely here — children are physically active, trying new challenges, and also talking about how to take care of their feelings when play is hard.
Inclusive Yet Individual: We see children showing pride in who they are, and also noticing and celebrating the differences of others.
Nurture, Develop and Grow: Risk-taking is happening — children experimenting, making mistakes, then learning from them. Staff are encouraging this, giving space to try out new things, even if they fail first.
Believe in Yourself: Already, I have seen more confidence — children volunteering answers, stepping forward, sharing in class and in play.
Overcome Your Obstacles: It’s been wonderful to see resilience — maybe when a game doesn’t go as planned, or when a new activity is hard — but children persisting and getting support.
Wonder & Curiosity: Curious questions are being asked: “What if…?”, “Why…?”, “How…?” especially during open-ended play, in stories, in lessons.
As we move forward these next weeks, we’ll be continuing to:
Embed OPAL more broadly, refine the resources available in play, and ensure all children feel confident using them.
Make kindness ever present — recognising and celebrating it more (in assemblies, in class) so children see it valued.
Reinforce the Rainbow Values by weaving them into everyday life: in lessons, breaks, interactions, decisions.
Here’s how you can help from home:
Talk with your child about their day: ask “Where did you see kindness today? When did someone show one of our Rainbow Values?”
Encourage play, risk-taking, resilience in small ways (letting them try things even if they might fail).
Model kindness, acceptance, believe in yourself — children learn hugely by watching adults.
I want to say a heartfelt thank you — to the children for their energy, courage and friendliness; to the staff for pulling together to make OPAL, kindness, and values work; and to you, as parents and carers, for supporting at home, talking with your children, and trusting us to grow this culture together.
We are laying strong foundations this term. If these first two weeks are anything to go by, it’s going to be a wonderful year. Let’s keep building – together – a school where everyone can be happy, healthy, brave, curious, and full of kindness.
With warm thanks,
Mrs Bates