We are excited to be taking part in OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) — an award‑winning programme that helps schools make playtimes happier, more active and more creative for every child. 

Why OPAL?

Children spend around 20% of their time at school playing, so we want to make sure this time is fun, safe and full of opportunities to learn and grow.
OPAL helps us improve play by developing our outdoor spaces, providing a wider range of resources, and supporting staff so that children can enjoy richer, more imaginative play every day. 

What Will Play Look Like?

With OPAL, playtimes become much more varied and exciting. You can expect children to experience:

• More active play that supports physical health.
• Imaginative and creative play, using a range of open‑ended materials. 
• More social play, helping children build friendships and confidence.
• All‑weather play, using more of the school grounds throughout the year.

Children may get a little messier, may explore more areas outdoors, and will have more freedom to choose how they play — all of which supports their development and wellbeing.

OPAL

Benefits for Children

Schools that take part in OPAL typically see:

• Happier, more confident children. 
• Fewer playtime disagreements and improved behaviour.
• More physical activity and healthier habits. 
• Better social skills and teamwork through shared outdoor play.
• Stronger wellbeing, as play helps reduce stress and supports emotional health.

How You Can Help

To support your child’s OPAL playtimes, you can:

• Make sure they have clothes suitable for all‑weather outdoor play.
• Donate items such as loose parts, dressing‑up clothes or safe household materials that can spark creative play (if the school requests these).

Our Commitment

By becoming an OPAL school, we are committed to making play:

• Inclusive
• Active
• Creative
• Joyful
• And central to your child’s wellbeing and development

We look forward to sharing updates and celebrating the exciting changes OPAL will bring to our playtimes.