We are GOLD!

26th September 2025Miss K. Wilkinson

We are thrilled to share that following a visit earlier this week, our school has been awarded the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Gold Award!

This award recognises our commitment to providing rich, inclusive, and high-quality opportunities for play and outdoor learning. It celebrates the creativity, energy, and joy our children bring to play every day, as well as the dedication of our staff in fostering an environment where children can thrive.

Earning Gold is a fantastic achievement, and it reflects the hard work of our whole school community – from the staff who make play a daily priority, to the children who embrace every opportunity, and of course, to you, our families, for your continued support.

We’re so proud of this recognition, and we look forward to building on this success as we continue to develop even more exciting outdoor opportunities for our children.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Introducing Our New OPAL Ambassadors!

22nd September 2025Miss K. Wilkinson

This morning in assembly, we were very excited to announce our brand-new OPAL Ambassadors for the year! One child has been chosen from each class in Years 2 to 6, as well as from ARC 2, to take on this very special role.

Our OPAL Ambassadors will soon be proudly wearing their yellow caps and badges, making them easy to spot on the playground. Their job is an important one – they will:

  • Lead and join in with playground games

  • Make sure that everyone feels included in play

  • Be a friendly, approachable face for younger children who might need a helping hand

We are incredibly proud of all of the children chosen to take on this responsibility. Being an OPAL Ambassador means showing kindness, leadership, and teamwork – qualities we value highly here at West Boldon.

We can’t wait to see our Ambassadors in action, helping to make our playtimes even happier, more fun, and inclusive for everyone.

Well done to all of our new OPAL Ambassadors!

Lunchtimes at West Boldon just keep getting better!

18th September 2025Miss K. Wilkinson

As part of our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) journey, we’ve been working hard to transform lunchtimes into opportunities for creativity, exploration, and fun. Each new area we open gives children the chance to try something different, follow their interests, and develop new skills.

This week, we were thrilled to introduce our brand new yurt tent  – a calm, cozy space where children can relax, chat with friends, and take a quiet break during the busy lunch hour.

But that’s not all! Over the past few weeks, our outdoor play spaces have grown to include:

  • A reading and drawing area inside the school bus
  • A role-play car cleverly built from pallets and old chairs
  • A music wall for children to experiment with sound and rhythm
  • A stage where imaginations can run wild with performances and play
  • A mud kitchen for messy, creative fun
  • Den-building spaces that encourage teamwork and problem-solving
  • And today’s exclusive loom band station at the picnic tables for creative hands-on crafting

These new zones are already proving hugely popular, with children exploring, playing, and making memories every lunchtime.

At West Boldon Primary, we believe lunchtimes should be just as valuable as time in the classroom. Through OPAL, we’re making sure every child has the chance to enjoy play that is fun, inclusive, and inspiring.

Why not ask your child about their favourite new area – we’re sure they’ll have lots to share!

OPAL Update – Making a SPLASH on the Water Wall!

17th September 2025Miss K. Wilkinson

At lunchtime, our playground is buzzing with excitement as children explore, create, and play together through our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme. One of the biggest hits this week so far has been the water wall!

Armed with jugs, funnels, and plenty of imagination, pupils have been experimenting with pouring, measuring, and redirecting water through pipes, channels, and containers. It’s been wonderful to see so much teamwork, problem-solving, and laughter as children work out how to make the water flow where they want it to go.

Not only is the water wall fantastic fun, but it also gives children the chance to develop important skills such as:

  • Collaboration – working together to build and test ideas

  • Creativity – finding new ways to channel the water

  • STEM learning – exploring cause and effect, volume, and flow in action

We love seeing our pupils so engaged and happy during play, and we can’t wait to see what new water wall designs they come up with next!

Reading Bus – Boldon Roots!

7th May 2025Fiona Goodwin

We’re celebrating our Boldon roots!

Our Reading Bus has had in incredible makeover thanks to local graffiti artist Tyler Rutley, who’s transformed it with scenes from Boldon Colliery’s mining past. It’s a powerful tribute to our local heritage and a fantastic way for our children to connect with the history of their families and community.

“Focusing on the past is a key part of our curriculum. Many of our children’s parents and grandparents worked in the coal industry – this project gives them a real sense of pride in where they come from” – Linsey Garr, Head Teacher

“As a Boldon Colliery lad, I was proud to support this. It’s about giving something back and helping inspire the next generation to love reading and their heritage” – Tyler Rutley, Artist

We love it – and the children do too!

Lunchtime Fun at West Boldon Primary

19th March 2025Fiona Goodwin

Primary School is all about children having fun and loving the school experience – and lunchtimes are no exception! At West Boldon, we know how important it is for our children to interact, build friendships, and enjoy their break, which is why we embrace OPAL!

From den building, tire swings, and dance competitions, to pool, table tennis, table football, darts competitions and playing in Boldon’s BIGGEST ever sandpit, there’s something for everyone!

Happy, active, and engaged children make for a fantastic school experience – just the way it should be!

OPAL Lunchtime Fun

17th March 2025Fiona Goodwin
Lunchtimes at West Boldon Primary have never been better!
Since introducing Opal Play just over a year ago, outdoor fun has reached a whole new level! The latest addition? A brand-new outdoor table tennis table!
The children have been loving the friendly competitions, battling it out to see who will be crowned West Boldon Champion!
Who’s got the fastest reflexes? Who will take the title next? The excitement is real!

Reception Outdoor Fun

16th January 2025Fiona Goodwin
Even a little chill in the air can’t stop our Reception children from having fun! ❄️ On Friday, they had an amazing time exploring the Reception garden, discovering, playing, and making wonderful memories outdoors.
You’d never guess these children have only been at West Boldon Primary for a few short months—the progress they’ve made is incredible! A real credit to all of our parents for their support. Well done, everyone!

OPAL Update!

5th December 2024Fiona Goodwin

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been on the hunt for new Play Ambassadors to help us at lunchtimes! Miss Ingoe collected applications, held interviews, and selected 20 fantastic children to take on this important role.

This week Team One met to plan, learn their responsibilities, and hit the ground running! You can spot them in the yard by their colourful lanyards.

They’ve been helping younger children, organising activities, and keeping all the play equipment in check!

A huge WELL DONE to Team One – you’ve been absolutely amazing!

Newest OPAL addition!

28th November 2024Fiona Goodwin

Playtime at West Boldon Primary is better than ever!

We are so excited about our newest OPAL addition; large play barrels! These have quickly become a huge hit with the children, sparking endless creativity and teamwork.

This week, the children got together to transform the barrels into a giant tunnel, and it’s been incredible to see all the imaginative ways they’ve been using it! From balancing and climbing to crawling and negotiating turns, it’s been wonderful to watch children of all ages playing together and developing essential skills along the way.

And guess what? Even our amazing OPAL staff couldn’t resist joining in the fun! Seeing them get stuck into the action has made playtime even more special.

At West Boldon, we believe in the power of outdoor play to bring creativity, joy, and collaboration to life Thank you to everyone who helps make moments like these possible.

What will the children come up with next? We can’t wait to find out!