OPAL

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is an award-winning, strategic program that improves school playgrounds to boost children’s physical, social, and emotional development through high-quality daily play. It transforms school playtimes—which constitute 20% of a school week—by creating inclusive, stimulating environments that reduce conflicts by up to 80% and enhance learning. 

​Core Aspects of the OPAL Program include:

• Loose Parts & Creativity: Focuses on using "loose parts" (e.g., pallets, tyres, pots, fabrics, crates) to encourage imaginative, child-led play.

• Risk Management: Promotes "risk-benefit assessment," allowing children to take calculated risks that build resilience and self-confidence.

• Inclusive Environment: Focuses on creating play environments where every child, regardless of ability, can find something engaging to do. 

The OPAL program is founded on the principle that play is essential for learning, focusing on the quality of play rather than just physical activity.

​Through the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program we have transformed our school playground by creating varied, high-quality, and stimulating play areas designed for all-weather, year-round use. Key areas include our sandpit, mud kitchen, creative zones, den-building area, nature zone, wheeled equipment zone, and risky and messy play, fostering creativity and social skill development.​

​Our Play Team are:​ Mrs Fowler (Play Leader), Mrs Greenwell (Strategic Lead), Mr Balsom (Curriculum Lead), Mrs Henson (Play Team), Mrs Dunkerton (Play Team), Mrs Kitching (Play Team).

​Download Our Play Policy here

​Click here to see some of the games we play

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