Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School

In April 2022, we began our OPAL journey and we are delighted with the positive impact it is already having on our pupils at lunchtime. Our rationale for choosing OPAL was simple - we recognised how the pandemic, national lockdowns, and partial school closures had reduced children's opportunities to socialise with their peers. We believe that the OPAL vision for developing the whole child fits perfectly with our school's Christian vision to provide our children with hope and a future.

We viewed the OPAL project as a way of redressing the balance and providing children with richer, more meaningful ways of interacting with their peers and 'catching up' for lost time. We also know that wellbeing is enhanced by spending enriched times outside - we are seeing the benefits of this already. The developing of scoial skills is crucial in providing children with a positive school experience and we are confident that our children - who now have a more purposeful, enjoyable and rewarding lunchtime experience - are fulfilled throughout every part of the day, which enables them to be more receptive to learning inside and outside the classroom. This, ultimately, fits our long-held belief that happy children learn best - they thrive.