OPAL: Transforming Play at Our School
We're Becoming an OPAL School!
We are excited to be developing our outdoor play provision through the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme. OPAL is a nationally recognised programme that helps schools create outstanding opportunities for children to play, explore, imagine, create and thrive outdoors. According to OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), children spend around 20% of their primary school life at play, making playtime one of the most significant parts of the school day.
Over the coming months and years, you will begin to see changes to our outdoor spaces, equipment and play opportunities as we work towards becoming a fully developed OPAL school.
Why Are We Prioritising Play?
At our school, we believe that play is an essential part of childhood. It is not simply a break from learning, it is a powerful form of learning itself.
Research and experience from OPAL schools show that high-quality play opportunities help children to:
- Develop creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills
- Build confidence, resilience and independence
- Improve communication and teamwork
- Increase physical activity and wellbeing
- Learn to assess and manage risk safely
- Develop friendships and social skills
- Improve emotional regulation and self-esteem
- Return to lessons happier, calmer and ready to learn
The OPAL programme is based on the principle that better, more active and more creative playtimes lead to happier and healthier children, which in turn supports learning, behaviour and wellbeing across the whole school.
What Will Play Look Like?
As our OPAL journey develops, children will have increasing opportunities to:
- Build, create and invent
- Explore natural materials
- Take part in imaginative role play
- Work collaboratively with friends
- Enjoy active and physical challenges
- Experience a wide variety of play opportunities during every season
You may notice that children become muddier, wetter or messier than before. This is often a sign that they are deeply engaged, active and learning through play. We believe that rich childhood experiences are worth embracing.
How Can Families Support Our OPAL Journey?
One of the most exciting aspects of OPAL is that the whole school community can help to create amazing play opportunities.
We welcome donations of suitable loose parts and play resources that children can use creatively and safely.
Examples include:
- Large Loose Parts
- Plastic crates
- Wooden pallets (in good condition)
- Cable reels
- Tyres (clean and suitable for play)
- Large cardboard tubes
- Guttering and pipes
- Buckets and containers
Play Equipment and Materials
- Dressing-up clothes
- Pots, pans and kitchen utensils
- Small world toys
- Toy vehicles
- Mud kitchen equipment
- Waterproof materials
- Outdoor storage containers
If you think you may have something that could support our play provision, please contact the school before bringing items in, as not all donations are suitable for use.
Can You Volunteer?
We would love support from parents, carers, grandparents and community members who can offer their time, skills or expertise.
Volunteers may be able to help with:
- Building and maintaining play areas
- Gardening and planting projects
- Painting and decorating outdoor spaces
- Creating storage solutions
- Organising donations and resources
- Sharing practical skills and knowledge
Even a few hours of support can make a huge difference to the opportunities we can provide for our children.
Our OPAL Vision
Our aim is to create a vibrant, inclusive and engaging outdoor environment where every child can experience the joy, freedom and benefits of play.
By working together as a school community, we can provide the rich play experiences that help children develop the confidence, resilience, creativity and social skills they need both now and in the future.
We are looking forward to sharing regular updates, photographs and successes as our OPAL journey continues.