OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning. It is a way to make playtime at school even better, helping children with things like getting active, making friends, working together, being creative, having fun, learning to manage risk and build resilience!

We are using OPAL because play is really important for learning. Many children do not get as much chance to play outside as they used to, so we want to make sure their lunchtime at school is fantastic.

OPAL helps children:

• Learn new things through play.
• Be healthy and active.
• Feel happier and self-regulated.
• Learn to manage risk and build resilience.

At our school, OPAL means all children can access our grounds at lunchtime and choose where to play. Our extensive grounds include sports areas, a dig pit, sandpit, mounds and tunnels, a play kitchen, a tepee village, large and small construction areas, den building spaces, marking-making areas, bubbles, small world setups and a music area. We also have an adventure trail!

To make the most of all these exciting areas, we require all children to have a set of wellies that stay in school. There are always Play Leaders looking out for everyone.

We welcome donations of play equipment, old suitcases, toys, utensils, pots and pans etc. Your children are very likely to get messy, especially in the winter months, but they will have had a fantastic playtime making memories!