OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)
What is OPAL?
At our school, we follow the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme to make playtime exciting, creative, and meaningful. OPAL transforms the playground into a space where children explore, take safe risks, make friends, and develop important life skills—helping them grow happier, healthier, and more confident every day.
Why are we following OPAL?
Childhood today has changed, and many children are not having their play needs met outside of school.
- Average screen time per day: 5 hours
- Average outdoor play per week: 5 hours
- UK children who only play outdoors with peers at school: 56%
Schools that adopt the OPAL Programme experience numerous benefits, including increased enjoyment of school, fewer teaching interruptions due to conflicts, reduced accidents, and significantly improved behaviour.
The Benefits of Play
1. Children Learn Through Play
Never underestimate the importance of play. Through play, children develop:
- Cognitive skills – such as problem-solving and basic math in a pretend grocery store.
- Physical abilities – like balancing blocks or running on the playground.
- Vocabulary – by using new words while playing with toy dinosaurs.
- Social skills – such as cooperating during a pretend car wash.
- Literacy skills – by writing menus for an imaginary restaurant.
2. Play Promotes Health
Play supports healthy physical development. It helps children grow strong and active, while also reducing the risk of obesity.
3. Play Reduces Stress
Play nurtures emotional growth. It brings joy, relieves anxiety, and provides a healthy outlet for stress.
4. Play Is More Complex Than It Seems
Play can be both simple and sophisticated. There are many forms—symbolic, sociodramatic, functional, and games with rules. Researchers explore how play influences learning, health, and even the effects of screen time and recess on children’s development.
5. Make Time for Play
As a parent, you play a key role in supporting your child’s learning. Ensure they have plenty of time each day to engage in play that promotes cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional growth.
6. Play and Learning Go Hand-in-Hand
Play and learning are deeply connected. Think of it as a science class paired with a lab—play is the child’s laboratory where they experiment and discover.
7. Encourage Outdoor Play
Recall your own childhood memories—building forts, playing on the beach, sledding, or exploring with friends. Give your children opportunities to create outdoor memories too.
8. Learn More About Play
Much has been written about the importance of play, for example The Power of Play by David Elkind.
9. Trust Your Playful Instincts
Remember how naturally play came to you as a child? Give your children the same freedom. You’ll be amazed by what they can do when given time and space to play.
10. Play Is a Child’s Context for Learning
During play, children practice and strengthen skills across many areas. It provides hands-on learning experiences that worksheets cannot. For example, when playing restaurant, children write menus, set prices, take orders, and make checks—developing literacy, math, and social skills in meaningful ways. Play builds confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our Play Charter
Our OPAL Vision
OPAL Play Assemblies
At our school, OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) play assemblies are a special part of our commitment to supporting children’s development through active, creative, and independent play. These assemblies are held every two weeks, and give children the opportunity to:
- celebrate successes
- have a voice in our OPAL journey (negotiate and innovate)
- learn about new zones and resources (inform)
- share expectations
- discuss risk benefit
OPAL Play Leaders
We currently have Year 4 and Year 5 children as our OPAL Leaders.
Risk Benefit Assessments
Key Documents
Play Policy
Our OPAL Team
Mrs Hill – Curricular Lead for Play
Mrs Brede – Play co-ordinator
Mr Burton – Governor Play Champion
More information
You will be able to learn all about OPAL and watch several videos about the programme on the OPAL website: www.outdoorplayandleaning.org.uk.
