Leyburn is a one-form entry primary school with approximately 190 pupils on roll; they have lots of tarmac and green space.

Their values are at the heart of their  local  community, and this is beautifully exemplified by their child-led approach to OPAL.

The school is a place for children and their families to experience a nurturing and supportive environment, which helps to develop their self-esteem and gives positive experiences for overcoming adversity and building resilience.

Children are trusted and given the freedom to learn within the boundaries of what is expected of them. The children at Leyburn have significant leadership responsibilities for OPAL, where their opinions are central to every decision they make! This has had a huge impact on them in many ways across the school.

OPAL at Leyburn’s is special, and all visitors notice this when they come to the school.

What were the main issues you were facing at playtime?

Before OPAL, the children had arguments; they often resisted going outside and then spent most of their time trying to get back inside…Now, they pour out of the building!

Why did you get OPAL to work with your school?

It seemed to be everything that we were looking for. I heard about it at an early years briefing, and it had everything good about early years practice. As with all good ideas, I wondered why I hadn’t thought about it before! It was so obvious – a real ‘lightbulb’ moment.

What measures had you tried already?

We had tried providing play equipment, such as bats, balls and hoops.

What did OPAL help with that you couldn’t do yourselves?

They permitted us to think about play for ALL children.

How did the programme impact pupils’ physical, social, emotional, mental, and cognitive development?

Where can I start? It has benefited them all in so many ways. It is hard to measure, but, for example, after COVID, one teacher said to me that she was convinced that the children in her class (Year 3) were only able to cope with the expectations of ‘catch-up’ because of OPAL.

How did the programme meet the needs of all your children, in particular pupils with SEND?

It has helped our children improve their executive function and self-regulation. Most of our children on our SEND register have OPAL as a key provision in school, which supports and addresses their targets. OPAL is seen as an entitlement, not an enhancement.

How did the programme impact attendance?

Our attendance is consistently above average, which is significant, especially when school attendance is a national concern.

How did the programme impact communication, vocabulary, and imagination?

Well, the photos should speak for themselves!

How did the school secure funding and resources?

We used the Sports Premium Funding.

What partnerships proved most valuable?

OPAL – without any doubt.

What was the impact on parents and wider community members?

They LOVE it! ‘I would have loved this at school.’ Some families have chosen the school BECAUSE of OPAL.

Click here to view the Leyburn Primary School video