Mansfield Building Society Donates to Supports Outdoor Play and Learning
Mansfield Building Society has awarded £606 to Orchard Primary and Nursery School in Kirkby-in-Ashfield through its Community Support Scheme, helping the school continue its inspiring journey to transform playtimes for pupils.
In October 2023, Deputy Head Alison Tilstone and Deputy DSL Stephanie Johns recognised that children were struggling to play together following the COVID-19 pandemic. Behaviour incidents were increasing, some children were unable to go outside safely, and lunchtime staff were spending more time managing first aid and conflict than supporting play. Many pupils reported that unless they enjoyed football, there was little to do during breaks.
To tackle this, Orchard School joined the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) project in February 2024. OPAL helps schools create rich, imaginative, and physically active play opportunities all year round. Since adopting the programme, Orchard has seen children thrive outdoors – enjoying activities such as climbing trees, playing in the sandpit, swinging on the trapeze and experimenting with the mud kitchen, as well as building resilience, manage risk and be confident in their play.
The donation from Mansfield Building Society will help Orchard School further develop its OPAL provision, including Bike ramps to enhance scooter and bike use, an assault course to build upper body strength and gross motor skills and quiet shaded areas around the field for hot sunny days
Paul Wheeler, Chief Executive of Mansfield Building Society, said:
We are delighted to support Orchard Primary and Nursery School through our Community Support Scheme. The OPAL project is a fantastic example of how schools can enrich children’s lives, and we are proud to contribute to a programme that promotes wellbeing, creativity, and resilience.
Deputy Head, Alison Tilstone, added:
We are so grateful for this funding. OPAL has already transformed playtimes at Orchard, and with Mansfield Building Society’s support we can continue to ensure every child has amazing play, every day.
The Society’s Community Support Scheme provides grants to local charities, schools, and community groups, reinforcing Mansfield Building Society’s commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. For more information about the scheme, visit mansfieldbs.co.uk/community-support-scheme