OPAL: Transforming Play at Our School

We are proud to be part of the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, a pioneering initiative that has been developed over more than 20 years and implemented in over 800 schools across the UK and internationally. Countries such as Spain, Canada, France, and New Zealand have embraced OPAL, and it has also been adapted for schools in Central Europe through the Play Friendly Schools project.

OPAL has received widespread recognition, including:

• First prize in a European Union-funded award for the best active schools programme in Europe (2018)
• Two UK national playwork awards
• A £250,000 grant from Sport England in 2019 to expand the programme to more schools

Why OPAL Matters

Children spend around 20% of their school life at play—that’s the equivalent of 1.4 years of primary school. OPAL is based on the belief that play is just as important as classroom learning. Through play, children develop essential life skills that can’t always be taught in lessons.

However, childhood has changed. Many children today:

• Spend an average of six hours a day on screens
• Get just five hours of outdoor play per week
• Only play outdoors with other children while at school (56% of UK children)

This is why we’re committed to making playtime the best it can be.

The Benefits of OPAL

Schools that implement the OPAL programme often see:

• Happier children who enjoy school more
• Fewer playground disputes and less lost teaching time
• Improved behaviour and fewer accidents

What This Means for Our School Community

Play is not just “messing about”—it’s how children learn to solve problems, take risks, build relationships, and grow in confidence. To support this, children need:

• Clothes they can play freely in
• A variety of things to play with
• The freedom to explore and make choices

As we enhance our play provision, you may notice some changes:

• Children using more of the school grounds, more often
• A bit more mud and mess!
• Greater freedom in how and where they play

These changes are all part of creating a richer, more meaningful play experience that supports your child’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, and overall development. Everything we do aligns with the latest guidance on health, safety, and child development.