OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning

From February 2026, we are launching OPAL is a whole-school programme that transforms playtimes into rich opportunities for learning, wellbeing and personal development. Through high-quality outdoor play, OPAL actively supports our school values of Community, Aspiration, Resilience and Empathy, ensuring play is inclusive, purposeful and aspirational for every child.

OPAL recognises play as a vital part of childhood and a powerful driver for pupils’ physical development, social understanding, emotional wellbeing and readiness to learn.

What OPAL Looks Like in Our School

• Open‑ended resources: Tyres, crates, tarpaulins, planks, pipes, fabric, ropes and natural materials that children can use in countless ways.

• Child‑led play: Pupils choose how they play, collaborate with others, solve problems and negotiate rules.

• All‑weather play: With the right clothing and routines, children play outdoors in most conditions, building resilience and confidence.

• Inclusive for all: Activities are accessible and adaptable so every child can take part.

Why OPAL Matters

High-quality outdoor play has a proven impact on children’s development and behaviour. Through OPAL, pupils are supported to:

• Build Resilience by managing challenges, risk and problem-solving independently

• Develop Empathy through cooperation, negotiation and inclusive play

• Strengthen Community by playing together across ages, abilities and friendship groups

• Raise Aspiration by encouraging creativity, leadership and ambition in play

OPAL supports pupils’ physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development, helping them return to lessons calm, focused and ready to learn.

Safety and Risk

OPAL is underpinned by a risk–benefit approach, which aligns with best practice and Ofsted expectations for personal development and wellbeing.

Children are supported to:

• Assess and manage risk appropriately

• Develop confidence and good judgement

• Learn responsibility for themselves and others

All play is carefully supervised, with clear expectations that promote safety while allowing children the freedom to explore and challenge themselves.

How Parents and Carers Can Support OPAL

• Encourage children to wear clothes suitable for outdoor play (including coats and wellies when needed)

• Talk positively about outdoor play and problem‑solving

• Support the school by donating suitable loose‑part materials when requested