OPAL at Our School

We are proud to be part of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme, which helps us provide active and inclusive playtimes for all children.

OPAL improves the quality of play by developing our outdoor spaces and giving children more choice, creativity and independence. We believe play is essential for children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing and social development.

Through OPAL we:

• Provide a wide range of play equipment and loose parts
• Encourage active, imaginative and cooperative play
• Promote independence, resilience and problem-solving
• Ensure play is inclusive and accessible to all
• Support children to explore, imagine, climb, build, lift, balance, run, and laugh.
• Promote positive social skills, problem-solving and wellbeing through play.

We believe play is an essential part of healthy childhood development — not just “fun”, but a vital part of learning and growing.

How OPAL Works at Our School

Our OPAL programme is organised around thoughtfully designed play spaces and supported by trained staff, children and sports ambassadors. Here’s how it works:

1. Play Spaces Designed for Exploration
   Our playgrounds are equipped with loose parts and opportunities for creative play. Children have access to resources such as tyres, crates, ropes, natural materials, tools, construction pieces and more — giving them choice and control in how they play.
2. Play Leaders and Supportive Staff
   Staff and play leaders are trained in the OPAL philosophy. They encourage risk-aware play, help children solve problems independently, and support positive play without taking over. Our adults observe, enable and challenge play thoughtfully.
3. Child-Led, Inclusive Playtimes
   OPAL play is inclusive — children are free to follow their interests, work together in groups, or play alone. We value choice, growth, and respect for one another.
4. Continuous Development & Review
   We continually evaluate our play environments and listen to children’s voices to make improvements. This ensures play stays relevant, exciting and meaningful.

We also have a team of Sports Ambassadors who help make playtimes successful. They:

• Set up games and tournaments
• Encourage others to join in
• Help organise and tidy equipment
• Act as positive role models on the playground

This gives children leadership opportunities and helps keep our play areas safe, organised and enjoyable for everyone.

Why OPAL Matters

Research shows that outdoor play:

• Improves physical health, balance and coordination
• Boosts emotional wellbeing and resilience
• Enhances creativity and problem-solving
• Supports better behaviour and social communication
• Builds confidence through self-directed challenge

OPAL supports all of these outcomes — enriching our school community and helping every child thrive.