PlayBoard staff spent a lovely morning at Clifton School, Bangor recently celebrating the school achieving their TOPS Award!

PlayBoard’s Taking Outdoor Play Seriously Quality Assurance Award recognises the school’s commitment to outdoor play. Running throughout the academic year, the Award involves the Board of Governors, senior management, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents, and children working together to bring about a comprehensive transformation of play policy and practice in the school estate.

Presenting the Award, Alan Herron, PlayBoard Chief Executive said:

“On behalf of PlayBoard I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone involved in achieving the TOPS Award, for their engagement throughout the school year – children, staff, and parents and carers. PlayBoard’s TOPS Award requires significant commitment across the school throughout the programme and we are delighted to see outdoor play progress and flourish at Clifton School, for the benefit of all pupils.”

Accepting the Award, Brenda Mullan, Vice Principal said:

“Pupils, staff and the entire school community at Clifton Special School, Bangor are delighted to have been awarded the TOPS Award recognising our commitment to outdoor play and leisure. We are over the moon!”

Play is essential for children’s learning and development. Schools have a crucial role in helping meet the play needs of children and young people. For many children and young people, school playtimes may be the only daily physical activity they engage in. PlayBoard’s Taking Outdoor Play Seriously (TOPS) Quality Assurance Award is a unique, intensive, play-based programme that supports schools to achieve a transformation of their school environment to encourage and support outdoor play.

Read more about our TOPS Award.