POP - Purposeful Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is a huge part of our school day at Pelton Community Primary School, and both children and staff look forward to getting outside to play, explore and develop together. Our outdoor programme is focused on improving the quality of play for all children.

In July 2023, we were awarded a Platinum OPAL Quality Award for outstanding play times. The difference it has made is phenomenal. Children are happier, more sociable and resilient.

As a result of the freedom and responsibility that comes with outdoor play, children return to the classroom ready to learn. We have an abundance of play equipment that has been kindly donated by our community.

Children have the opportunity to play on scooters, wheely boards and in our sand pits. They can perform with their friends on the stage using instruments and fancy dress clothes, build dens, look for nature in the tall grass or experiment in the mud kitchen.

Purposeful Outdoor Play has not only improved the opportunities and experiences at break times, it has also had an impact on the children’s creativity, stamina and behaviour within school.

Although we were delighted to have achieved an OPAL Platinum Award, this was just the start of our journey. We have many more ideas to make our play times the best they can be!

POP Stars

Each year, a group of children are selected to become POP Stars.  They have responsibilities such as playing with other children and initiating games during playtime, helping children to take care of the equipment, suggesting new equipment to buy and presenting in assemblies to introduce how to play with any new toys.

Golden Welly Award

The Golden Welly award has been introduced as an opportunity to celebrate the children and their amazing play.  Children can achieve this award for using their initiative during play, outstanding behaviour, being a kind friend or showing good sportsmanship. Each week, one of our POP Stars is selected to identify a child to win the award. This child is then presented the Golden Welly in a special mention assembly.