OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a nationally recognised programme that helps schools transform playtimes and lunchtimes into rich opportunities for creativity, teamwork, problem solving, imagination, risk taking and physical activity. Research shows that high-quality play has a huge impact on children’s happiness, wellbeing, confidence, engagement and behaviour - both inside and outside the classroom.

Over time, you will begin to see many exciting new opportunities developing across our grounds including:

• Digging and gardening

• Den building

• Tyre rolling

• Role play and imaginative play

• Construction and loose parts play

• Outdoor art and creativity

• Team games and physical challenges

• And much, much more!

We are incredibly fortunate to have such amazing school grounds and plenty of outdoor space and we want to make the very most of it for all children.

Mixed-age play is a huge part of OPAL and helps to develop friendships, leadership, cooperation and communication skills across the school; children across the school will all play together.

We also recognised the importance of children having access to our fantastic grass areas all year round, whatever the weather! Therefore, we kindly ask that all children bring a pair of named wellies into school that can remain here throughout the year.  Outdoor play will continue in all seasons.

We are currently in the process of purchasing and building welly racks for each class so they can be stored safely and to help speed up the process of changing from school shoes into wellies.

Finally, we would love some parental representation on our OPAL team! We are looking for enthusiastic parents and carers who would be willing to:

• Attend termly meetings in school

• Help generate ideas and source materials

• Support with building or creating resources

• Help develop our outdoor spaces over time

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please email the school office to register your interest. Spaces on the parent team will be limited, so please do get in touch if you would like to be involved.