The Irish Society’s Primary School & Nursery Unit is the latest primary school to be presented with PlayBoard’s Taking Outdoor Play Seriously (TOPS) Award.

TOPS is a play-based programme that supports schools to achieve a transformation of their school environment to encourage and support outdoor play.

PlayBoard staff visited the school to present the Award and were thrilled to see the amazing transformation of the playground and the outdoor play on offer for the health and well-being of the children.

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

“Schools play an important role in ensuring children and young people experience quality play opportunities on a daily basis. Our TOPS programme works with the whole school community to embed a positive play ethos and the development of outdoor spaces that enhance children’s health and development through play.

I congratulate everyone involved in achieving this TOPS Award – it is testament to the commitment shown throughout the year to making positive changes for the benefit of all pupils.”

Stephanie Conway, Foundation Stage Leader, Irish Society’s Primary School said:

“TOPS has been really beneficial for the children in our school. Our outdoor play has been enhanced this year and our children have astounded us with their creativity and imaginative play. It has been particularly beneficial to the health and well-being of the older children in our school. The staff have embraced the changes whole-heartedly with the help and encouragement of the TOPS team. TOPS has set us on an outdoor play journey which we will continue in the coming years.”

Read more about Play in Schools.