OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)

What is OPAL?

Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. 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.

An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children can feel comfortable to express themselves. Our OPAL journey began in March 2023 and since then, we have developing our outdoor environment. Our children love the new outdoor opportunities that OPAL offers with so much more for them to do, no matter the weather! From playing with tyres and using the scooter boards, to enjoying imaginative play in the small world area or cooking up a storm in the mud kitchen, OPAL offers an exciting alternative to the standard playground activities.

Through this approach to play children are not only more active at lunch or break times, but they are also having the opportunity to further develop life skills such as cooperation, team work and problem solving. They are becoming motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers and designers.

 

What does this mean for us?

• Happier children
• Children coming into class ready to learn
• A fully inclusive playtime offer
• Opportunity for creativity and decision-making
• Children development independence and resilience skills
• Increased social skills
• .... and most importantly fun!

play charter

Our School Council met in March 2023 and came up with our Play Charter, which is now displayed on the playground.

 

what children say about OPAL:

"I love play times as we can play with whoever we want to."

"At play, we can use so much equipment and use the field whenever we want to."

"I like planning what I'm going to do before play. There is lots of equipment so I can always do what I want."

" I love den building with my friends, we can make it massive!"