OPAL

What is OPAL?

We are proud to be part of OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning — a nationally recognised programme that supports schools to improve the quality of play opportunities for all children.

OPAL is based on the simple belief that:

“Every child deserves high-quality play every day.”

Our OPAL journey is proudly led by Mr Wakefield & Miss Cooper

Mr Wakefield and Miss Cooper have shown exceptional dedication, commitment and enthusiasm throughout our OPAL journey. They have invested a significant amount of their own time into transforming play at our school — attending training, visiting other OPAL schools, organising resources, redesigning play spaces and carefully planning improvements.

Their passion for high-quality play is clear to see. They strongly believe that play is essential to children’s development and wellbeing, and this belief has driven the positive changes across our playground.

They have:

• Spent countless hours researching and developing new play ideas

• Worked closely with pupils to gather feedback and include their voices

• Supported and trained staff to understand the value of play

• Organised and managed resources to ensure safe and exciting opportunities

• Inspired the whole school community with their energy and vision

Children are excited about playtimes, staff feel confident supporting play, and our playground is now a vibrant, creative and inclusive space. 

If you have any questions about OPAL or would like to support our play provision, Mr Wakefield and Miss Cooper would be delighted to speak with you. 
OPAL Training Presentation

Rather than seeing playtime as just a break between lessons, OPAL recognises that play is essential for children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, social development and creativity. It transforms playtimes into rich, engaging experiences where children can explore, imagine, build, create and collaborate.

Our Platinum Award

We are delighted to announce that we have recently achieved the Platinum  Award!

This award recognises our commitment to improving play opportunities, developing our outdoor environments, and ensuring every child has access to meaningful, inclusive and exciting play experiences.

Achieving Platinum status reflects:

• Improved play spaces

• Increased variety of play opportunities

• Strong pupil voice and involvement

• A whole-school commitment to the value of play

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and will continue to build on this success.

OPAL

At our school, play is varied, inclusive and child-led. We provide opportunities for many different types of play, including:

🧱 Creative & Construction Play

Children use loose parts such as tyres, crates, planks and fabric to:

• Build dens and shelters

• Create obstacle courses

• Design imaginative structures

This type of play encourages teamwork, problem-solving and resilience.

🎭 Imaginative & Role Play

Children create their own worlds through:

• Small world play

• Dressing up

• Mud kitchens

• Performance and storytelling

Imaginative play builds communication skills, confidence and creativity.

⚽ Physical Play

We provide opportunities for:

• Climbing and balancing

• Running games

• Ball games

• Active challenges

Physical play develops coordination, strength and overall fitness.

🎲 Social & Cooperative Play

Children learn to:

• Take turns

• Negotiate rules

• Solve disagreements

• Work as a team

Play helps develop empathy, leadership and strong friendships.

🎨 Expressive Play

Through:

• Chalk drawing

• Music and movement

• Craft and design

Children express emotions, ideas and individuality.

🌿 Exploratory & Nature Play

Children engage with natural elements such as:

• Mud

• Water

• Leaves and sticks

• Sand

Nature-based play supports wellbeing, curiosity and environmental awareness.

The Benefits of OPAL

Through our OPAL approach, we have seen:

• Increased happiness and enjoyment at playtimes

• Improved behaviour and fewer playground incidents

• Stronger friendships across year groups

• Greater independence and resilience

• Improved focus when returning to lessons

Play is not “just play” — it is learning, development and wellbeing in action.

 Our Commitment

We are committed to continuing to grow our OPAL provision and ensuring every child has access to rich, inclusive and joyful play every single day.

Together, we are building a school where play truly matters.