Opal Play

'Play is the process evolution has come up with to enable children to learn all the things that cannot be taught, whilst also having fun.'

Your children’s Right to Play

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our children, we are fully embracing the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme. This initiative is designed to foster leadership, resilience, team building, social skills, and, of course, fun through outdoor play. It fully aligns with our school ethos - We are Kind, Brave, Responsible Learners.

Sadly, childhood has changed, and many children no longer get their play needs met out of school.

Average screen time per day is six hours.

Average outdoor play time per week is five hours.

Percentage of UK children who only play outdoors with other children whilst at school is 56%.

‘Most of our best childhood memories are from playing outdoors, climbing trees and exploring the wide world

around us. OPAL gives us the opportunity to give those memories to your children’

Why OPAL?

The OPAL Programme aims to enrich the play experiences our children have during school hours. Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing, so to ensure that this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential our school has adopted an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy that allows the children freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using found and gathered resources in the natural outdoor environment. There are many proven benefits for schools that carry out the OPAL Primary Programme. They usually include: more enjoyment of school, less teaching time lost to disputes between children, fewer accidents and greatly improved behaviour. OPAL encourages creativity and collaboration among pupils, helping them develop essential life skills in a natural and stimulating outdoor environment. Through guided play, children learn to navigate social situations, build friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of teamwork and leadership.

The Benefits of OPAL
- Leadership - Allows children to take charge, make decisions, and lead their peers.
- Resilience - Encourages children to face and overcome challenges.
- Team Building - Promotes collaborative play, helping children understand the value of working together.

-Inclusivity - A more inclusive play environment in which all children can feel comfortable to express themselves
- Social Skills - Aids in the development of communication and cooperation.
- Fun! - Ensures that children enjoy their school experience, making learning effective and enjoyable.

The OPAL Effect

Since our journey began in late 2025, our children’s playtimes have been transformed into vibrant, engaging sessions filled with creativity. Lunchtime staff and teachers have already observed significant progress in the children’s creativity and the formation of robust friendship groups across the age groups. The playground has become a hub of imaginative play and social interaction, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Our children tell us that they love the new outdoor opportunities that OPAL offers with so much more for them to do, no matter the weather! Our plans include; playing with tyres, guttering and crates to enjoying imaginative play making dens or in the small world areas or taking a quiet breather in our quiet drawing and reading pavilion. Children will run, jump, climb, build, colour, dress up, whatever they choose during THEIR play. Playtime is continuously evolving; we are guided by the response and input of the children, meaning that pupils feel heard and supported by their peers and staff alike.

We are encouraging motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers, artists and designers!