OPAL 

"OPAL is one of the most impactful transformations on children's lives that we've seen in the UK in the last 10 years- not just in schools, not just in education but just as a way of making a positive difference in children's lives...I'm in awe actually." - Tim Gill former Director of Play England

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 September 2023 and since this time, we have quickly transformed 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 digging in the mud pit, 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.

One of the reasons we chose to participate in this amazing programme is that childhood has changed. Many children no longer get their play needs met out of school.

• Average screen time per day is six hours.
• Average outdoor play time per week is five hours.
• Percentage of UK children who only play outdoors with other children at school is 56%.

There are many proven benefits for schools that carry out the OPAL Primary Programme. They usually include: more enjoyment of school, less teaching time lost to disputes between children, fewer accidents and greatly improved behaviour.

We’ve worked hard to develop our outdoor areas and want to thank our wonderful families for their contributions of resources and loose parts. It is greatly appreciated by both our children and staff.

Take a look at some of the amazing areas developed and the fun we have been having so far!

Loose Parts Donations

However, it is vital that loose parts continue to be donated so we can further develop our outdoor areas. Please see our bingo mats to see the kind of things that can be donated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          We thank you in advance for any future donations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Welly

The Golden Welly award has been introduced as an opportunity to celebrate the children and their amazing play. Children can achieve this award for using their initiative during play, outstanding behaviour, being a kind friend or showing good sportsmanship. Each week, a member of the Opal play team will be selected to identify a child to win the award. This child is then presented the Golden Welly in our celebration assembly.

If you would like to learn more about the OPAL Primary Programme, please have a look at the OPAL website, where you will find lots of useful information and several videos about the programme.