Southesk Primary School, First OPAL School in Angus

That the Parliament congratulates Southesk Primary School, in Montrose, on becoming the first school in Angus to receive OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) accreditation, achieving Platinum status with an outstanding score of 95%; recognises that this makes Southesk one of only two schools in Scotland to attain Platinum status and the highest-scoring school in Scotland to date; further recognises that its score places Southesk among the top five percent of schools in the UK for excellent practice in outdoor play and learning; commends the leadership of head teacher, Elaine Thornton, the commitment of the school staff and the contribution of pupils, parents and the wider school community over the two-year OPAL journey; understands that OPAL is a whole-school approach that transforms playtimes through staff training, environmental development and meaningful pupil participation, making children's right to play and their right to be heard a reality in everyday school life; notes in particular that the approach puts into practice Articles 31 and 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, supporting children's right to play and their right to participate in decisions affecting them; further notes reported improvements in pupils' behaviour, readiness to learn and wellbeing, alongside improved wellbeing and job satisfaction among support staff; recognises Southesk's approach as an inspiring example of school improvement through community placemaking, co-design, inclusion and children's voice; welcomes the school's commitment to creating an outdoor space in which, in the words of its pupils, “everyone is welcome to come and join in”, and celebrates the contribution of Southesk Primary School and Play Scotland to making high-quality, inclusive and equitable play opportunities a reality for children in Angus and across Scotland.