We hope you have all had a fantastic summer. As we return to school, I would like to share with you some of the exciting new things that have already happened over the summer with Opal.

We have expanded the pallet houses on the field and have created Greasleybury (rather than Glastonbury). with a pretend camp fire and even a rainbow wind sock. We have added more swings and rope for the children to play with. We have also replaced the old table tennis table with a proper outside table that should be much stronger. 

Our other new addition is a fantastic pirate ship (currently known as the Jolly Rainbow). Steve has also put two new sets of steps onto the field to encourage children to access the field more safely and to allow the grass to grow back where it has worn away.

As part of Opal we carry out risk/benefit assessments with the children and I will continue to do these every Tuesday. I will also have an assembly on Thursday morning before the children go out to play. This helps us to ensure that the children understand the need for using the equipment safely. 

Just a reminder that children need a waterproof coat in school every day and all children need a pair of wellies in school. We are happy if you also want to send a pair of waterproof trousers if you know your child loves to get wet and muddy. Many children left their wellies at school in July so one of their first jobs on Thursday may be to locate their wellies and check that they still fit. 

Now for the really exciting bits. (WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE) Coming soon - 

* new climbing equipment similar to that on the pictures with tyres and poles. (if anyone has access to a powered fence post digger that we could borrow or you could help us use, this will enable us to get it them made much quicker.)

* a very large sand pit for lots of children to play at the same time (if anyone has access to a small digger to help us dig out the area or is happy to help move the soil from one side of the school to the other we would be really grateful as it is going to take a very long time to do it by hand.)

*a tyre balancing area (again we could do with a digger to dig a small trench to allow us to sink the tyres under the ground.

* new somersault equipment and pull up bars.

* a fairy garden

Save the date -  On Tuesday 23rd September we are holding a big build afternoon. More details will follow once I have explained everything to the children, but the general idea is that parents are invited to bring their tools and help us create some fantastic things for Opal such as a castle, chairs, a barbers etc.

We have lots of ideas that we will share with you but you will be able to take your child out of class to help you with the build. We are currently trying to get hold of as many decent quality pallets and large cable reels as possible to allow for lots of creativity. When I send the actual flyer out next week we will ask for you to sign up so that I have an idea of how many people to expect.  If anyone has any wellies or waterproofs that no longer fit we would really like to create a bank of spares for any children that do not have any.

Please feel free to drop them in at Nursery and I will create a storage area at the end of school for them.  We are really looking forward to seeing the children enjoying all the Opal equipment and I will be sharing a regular update with you about the exciting times we have at Opal play. 

Many thanks,

Mrs Barrowcliffe