OPAL

What is OPAL?

Our school has recently embarked on an exciting new playground initiative: OPAL – the Outdoor Play and Learning project. OPAL was created to support children’s learning, activity, and social development, and most importantly, to bring daily joy and happiness into their school lives.

Did you know that children spend up to 20% of their time at school playing outside? We want to make sure that this time is meaningful, engaging, and full of opportunities for growth. OPAL gives children the chance to develop collaboration, independence, and resilience as they explore, create, and problem solve together.

Through outdoor play, children learn about risk taking and how to manage risks safely, use a variety of resources and tools responsibly, and adapt to different weather conditions, including choosing appropriate clothing and outerwear. All of this is part of the learning process, helping children grow not only academically but socially and emotionally too.

OPAL in action!

The OPAL project will run for two years, allowing us to embed fantastic play practices and explore the key principles of outdoor learning.

Already, we’ve made lots of exciting changes and improvements! Children are now encouraged to explore almost all areas of the school grounds- including the field and forest- and enjoy a variety of new play zones. These include a scooter zone, digging zone, sand and water areas, forest adventures, and even a calm, creative zone for quiet reflection and imagination.

We’re also committed to getting children outdoors in all weathers, so they never miss out on these important opportunities to play, learn, and grow.

What can our families do?
 

We are so excited about the OPAL project, and the children have already had a fantastic time! Outdoor play is a learning process, and working together with families is the best way to support it. Here’s how you can help:

• Keep a waterproof coat and wellies in school at all times.
  This helps children enjoy outdoor play without coming into class with wet or muddy clothes, keeping them comfortable and happy (you can bring a spare set of uniform to stay at school if you are worried).

• Don’t worry if your child comes home a little muddy.
  A bit of mud is a sign of fun and exploration! You can chat with your child about managing their own play and clothes. For example, if they have wellies and a coat, they can enjoy play without getting the rest of their uniform too messy. This is all part of learning to make choices and experience the natural consequences of their actions (an important skill for independence and resilience).

• Donate any outdoor toys your children no longer use.
  We would love to add more scooters, balance bikes, prams, action figures, or dolls to our play areas. Any donations help make playtime even more exciting and engaging for everyone!