Children at Four Acres Academy in south Bristol were joined by their MP Karin Smyth to celebrate the importance of outdoor play.
Exploring, learning and having fun in the open air has boosted creativity, co-operation and wellbeing at the school, which has 440 pupils aged two to 11.
Four Acres’ commitment to high quality play has transformed breaktimes and earned the primary the OPAL Platinum Award, the highest accolade from the Outdoor Play and Learning organisation.
Karin Smyth MP, who is also a Government Health Minister, said: “Thank you to everyone at Four Acres Academy for such a warm welcome and for showing me their fantastic outdoor play facilities.
MP Karin Smyth celebrates the importance of outdoor play with the pupils of Four Acres Academy.
“Play is crucial for children’s development and the Government’s recently published curriculum review recognises how important enrichment is for a rounded education so it’s brilliant to see such high quality play spaces, like at Four Acres, here in Bristol South.”
During the visit, Ms Smyth also spoke to the whole school at an assembly about her work as an MP, how decisions are made in Parliament, and the importance of young people having a voice in their communities.
She then answered thoughtful and challenging questions from members of the School Council about local and national issues.
Headteacher Matthew Cave said: “We were thrilled to welcome Karin Smyth MP to Four Acres Academy. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the chance to hear directly from their local MP and to discuss issues that matter to them. We were also proud to showcase our OPAL Platinum Award, which reflects our commitment to creating the very best play experiences for our children.”
Michael Follett, OPAL CIC founder and director, said: “The benefits of play are well-documented, but it has virtually disappeared from children’s lives. We believe that schools are uniquely placed to change that by making playtime a key part of the school day. Congratulations to Four Acres Academy for achieving the OPAL Platinum Award and making sure children have amazing play every day.”
